Final answer:
The enzymes catalase and coagulase contribute to the virulence of Staphylococcus aureus by breaking down hydrogen peroxide and inducing blood clot formation, respectively, helping the bacteria to protect itself against host immune defenses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option is A:
The enzymes that contribute to the virulence of Staphylococcus aureus are catalase and coagulase. Therefore, the direct answer to the question is a) Catalase and coagulase. Coagulase promotes the formation of blood clots, which helps in abscess formation, while catalase breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, providing protection against oxidative stress.
Catalase helps protect staphylococcal bacteria by breaking down hydrogen peroxide, a harmful by-product of aerobic metabolism, into water and oxygen. This ability allows the bacteria to survive in the presence of host immune responses. On the other hand, coagulase is an enzyme that induces blood clot formation, providing a protective barrier from the immune system and helping in abscess formation. These virulence factors, along with others such as protein A and leukocidins, enable Staphylococcus aureus to evade or counter host defenses and establish infections, contributing significantly to its pathogenicity.