Staphylococcus Aureus

Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as”staph,” is a bacteria commonly found on the skin and in the nose ofhealthy people and other warm-blooded animals. Occasionally, staphylococci canget into the body and cause an infection. This infection can be minor (such aspimples, boils, and other skin conditions) or serious and sometimes fatal (suchas blood infections or pneumonia).

It also is well known for its extreme flexibility inadapting to antibiotic pressure acquiring resistance to practically allantibiotics so far introduced in clinical practice.

Use of infection control practices (such as wearinggloves and proper hand washing) can reduce the spread of staph. See the Interimguidelines for prevention and control of staph.