Using catalase-test to determine if Staphylo- or Streptococcus
Generally yes: streptococci are catalase negative while staphylococci are catalase positive.


  The catalase test is important in distinguishing streptococci (catalase-negative) [from] staphylococci which are catalase positive.





  Unlike Staphylococcus, all streptococci lack the enzyme catalase.


However, there are exceptions to every rule:

Catalase negative Staphylococcus aureus.

Catalase positive Streptococcus sp.