How is Staphylococcus aureus commonly classified?

Staphylococcus aureus is classified as a Gram-positive cocci because it has a characteristic spherical shape and retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining process, which indicates that it possesses a thick peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall. This thick layer allows it to resist decolorization by alcohol during the Gram stain procedure, leading to the blue-purple coloration typical of Gram-positive bacteria.

In terms of its physical structure, Staphylococcus aureus often appears in clusters resembling bunches of grapes, which is typical of staphylococci. This classification is significant in microbiology and clinical settings as it helps guide appropriate treatment options and identification strategies, as Gram-positive bacteria may have different antibiotic susceptibilities compared to Gram-negative bacteria.