What is a common characteristic of pus-forming bacteria?

Pus-forming bacteria, also known as pyogenic bacteria, are commonly characterized by their growth patterns. The option that they grow in clusters or chains effectively describes a common trait of these types of bacteria. For instance, Staphylococcus aureus often forms clusters resembling grapes, while Streptococcus species typically appear in chains. This growth characteristic is crucial for identifying and understanding the behavior of these bacteria in clinical settings, especially when diagnosing infections, as their arrangement can help differentiate various bacterial species.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent characteristics of pus-forming bacteria. While healthy skin can host a variety of bacteria, including non-pathogenic strains, pus-forming bacteria often indicate an infection rather than a healthy state. Saying these bacteria are always harmful is an overgeneralization; some may be present without causing disease, and others may be opportunistic. Lastly, moisture is essential for the survival and growth of most bacteria, including pus-forming types; thus, indicating they do not require moisture to survive is misleading. Understanding these distinctions is essential for effective sanitation and infection control practices.