Infection by Staphylococcus.

(staphylococcus infection) Infections with bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus; includes staphylococcal pneumonia, staph skin infections, furunculosis, carbuncle, impetigo, Ritter disease, scalded skin syndrome, etc.

Staphylococcus (staph) is a group of bacteria. There are more than 30 types. A type called Staphylococcus aureus causes most infections. Staph bacteria can cause many different types of infections, including Skin infections, which are the most common types of staph infections; Bacteremia, an infection of the bloodstream. This can lead to sepsis, a very serious immune response to infection.; Bone infections; Endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves; Food poisoning; Pneumonia; Toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a life-threatening condition caused by toxins from certain types of bacteria. Some people carry staph bacteria on their skin or in their noses, but they do not get an infection. But if they get a cut or wound, the bacteria can enter the body and cause an infection. Staph bacteria can spread from person to person. They can also spread on objects, such as towels, clothing, door handles, athletic equipment, and remotes. If you have staph and do not handle food properly when you are preparing it, you can also spread staph to others.

Staphylococci are gram-positive aerobic organisms. Staphylococcus aureus is the most pathogenic; it typically causes skin infections and sometimes pneumonia, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis. It commonly leads to abscess formation. Some strains elaborate toxins that cause gastroenteritis, scalded skin syndrome, and toxic shock syndrome....

Staphylococcal infections are usually caused by the organism Staphylococcus aureus. However, the incidence of infections due to Staphylococcus epidermidis and other coagulase-negative staphylococci has been steadily increasing in recent years.