What is the purpose of a Staph streak?

The purpose of a Staph streak involves using Staphylococcus aureus to create a streak on an agar plate, which is specifically used to enhance the growth of certain bacteria, particularly for specific diagnostics. In the context of enhancing growth, the Staph streak method typically promotes the growth of bacteria that are fastidious, such as Haemophilus influenzae. This occurs because Staphylococcus aureus can produce factors that provide nutrients and create a favorable environment for these other bacteria to grow.

This method is particularly beneficial in clinical microbiology for isolating and identifying these types of organisms, especially when dealing with specimens that may contain a mix of both pathogens and non-pathogens. The use of a Staph streak can result in a clear distinction between the targeted fastidious bacteria and other flora, facilitating easier identification and diagnostic accuracy.