What classification does Staphylococcus fall under?

Staphylococcus is classified as Gram positive bacteria due to its cell wall structure, which contains a thick peptidoglycan layer. This layer retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure, giving it a purple appearance under the microscope. The Gram positive classification is significant for healthcare and sterile processing as it helps determine appropriate methods for disinfection and sterilization, as well as guiding treatment options for infections caused by these organisms. In contrast, Gram negative bacteria have a thinner peptidoglycan layer and a different outer membrane structure, which affects their staining characteristics and susceptibility to certain antibiotics. Viruses and fungi have entirely different biological structures and mechanisms of infection, making them distinct from the bacterial classification.