A non-hemolytic, catalase-positive, coagulase-negative, gram positive coccus is most likely to be which of the following?

The description of the organism as non-hemolytic, catalase-positive, coagulase-negative, and a gram-positive coccus strongly points to Staphylococcus epidermidis. This species is a common inhabitant of human skin and mucous membranes, exhibiting coagulase-negative characteristics, which distinguishes it from pathogenic staphylococci like Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the catalase-positive property is a key feature of staphylococci, allowing them to produce the enzyme catalase that breaks down hydrogen peroxide, an important factor for survival in the presence of reactive oxygen species.

The non-hemolytic nature indicates that this organism does not lyse red blood cells, which further supports the identification as Staphylococcus epidermidis, as opposed to hemolytic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or certain streptococci, which demonstrate various types of hemolysis on blood agar. The absence of hemolysis aligns with the characteristics of this specific species.