Final answer:
Staphylococcus aureus, a spherical, gram-positive bacterium, requires discarding skin grafts if present due to its potential to cause severe infections. It forms grape-like clusters and is known to spread through the body, leading to serious outcomes. The presence of this pathogen in skin grafts implies a high risk of infection for the recipient.
Step-by-step explanation:
The organism that requires discarding of skin grafts if present is Staphylococcus aureus. This is due to its potential to cause serious skin infections and other complications. Staphylococcus aureus is a spherical, gram-positive bacterium that forms grape-like clusters. This bacterium is known for causing wound infections and can spread through the body, sometimes leading to severe outcomes like amputations or even death. Its presence in skin grafts can imply a high risk for the recipient, as it could lead to an infection in the already vulnerable surgical site.
Moreover, it can form biofilms, making it particularly concerning for nosocomial infections associated with medical devices. When dealing with skin grafts, utmost sterility must be maintained, and the presence of such an organism necessitates the immediate rejection of the tissue to avoid potentially life-threatening infections. The catalase test which distinguishes Staphylococcus from Streptococcus can further verify the presence of this pathogen. Staphylococcus species are catalase-positive, which helps confirm the diagnosis.
Skin grafts are susceptible to contamination, and bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus can breach the skin barrier, leading to conditions such as staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), characterized by peeling, dead skin. The repercussions of using a contaminated skin graft can be dire and thus, rigorous testing and adherence to protocols are critical to ensure the safety and success of skin grafting procedures.