Staphylococcus

Staphylococcus is a genus of bacteria that consists of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic species. The most common pathogenic species is Staphylococcus aureus, which is responsible for a wide range of diseases, such as skin infections, sepsis, endocarditis, pneumonia, and food poisoning. Staphylococci are Gram-positive, meaning they have a thick cell wall that stains purple when observed under a microscope. They are spherical (cocci) in shape and tend to group together in clusters, which is why they are also referred to as ‘staph’. Staphylococci are found naturally on the skin and in the nose of healthy individuals, but when it enters the body through an open wound or other means, it can cause various infections. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, although some cases may require surgical intervention.