Some people consider Staphylococcus aureus to be a primary pathogen, while others classify it as an opportunist. Which of the following statements supports the opinion that it is an opportunist?

A. Outbreaks in groups of people such as football players have been reported.

B. Antibiotic-resistant strains of S. aureus are increasingly being reported.

C. S. aureus is found in the nasal passages of many healthy people.

D. Only some strains of S. aureus produce toxins.

C

Explanation:

Opportunist are organisms that are found naturally in other living organism and only cause disease in the organism when its immune system is compromised for example HIV virus lowers immune system strength by reducing the amount of the CD4⁺ cells available thereby exposing the organism to attack from opportunistic organism such Staphylococcus aureus. The opinion that supports the statement is S. aureus is found in the nasal passages of many healthy people.