Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm

A scanning electron micrograph showing a Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formed overnight on silicon elastomer, the material of which many catheters and medical devices are made.

S. aureus can be found persistently colonizing the anterior nares of up to 30 percent of people. It is estimated that 1 percent of people carry beta-lactam antibiotic resistant S. aureus or methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). [Photo taken by Charles Daghlian, Dartmouth College EM Facility. Shanks, et al. Infection and Immunity 73:4596-4606.]

(Date of Image: September 2004)

Credit: Robert Shanks, University of Pittsburgh