Final answer:
The cell wall antigen on S. aureus that causes agglutination with latex beads coated with corresponding antibodies are typically Protein A or clumping factor. This reaction, utilized in indirect agglutination assays, helps confirm the presence of S. aureus in patient samples.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cell wall antigen found on S. aureus that will agglutinate when added to latex beads coated with the corresponding antibody is typically Protein A or clumping factor (bound coagulase). These antigens can be identified in clinical laboratories when testing for S. aureus in patient samples. The indirect agglutination assay or latex fixation assay leverages this principle, where antibodies attached to latex beads will visibly clump when they come into contact with S. aureus antigens, confirming the presence of this bacteria.
The process of agglutination in this context is used as an identifier in various bacterial species. In S. aureus, it is used to detect the presence of clumping factor, also known as coagulase, which is associated with this type of bacteria. A common commercial kit used for this detection is Staphaurex, which includes white beads coated with fibrinogen and IgG that will clump when mixed with a reagent and coagulase-positive staphylococci.