Staph infection (staphylococcus infection) is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus is a common type of bacteria that can be found on many people’s skin and on their noses without causing any harm. However, bacteria can cause an infection if they enter the body through a cut, scrape, or other types of wound.

Staph infections can be fatal if they spread deeper into your body, into your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs, or heart. A growing number of otherwise healthy people are contracting potentially fatal staph infections.

Antibiotics and cleaning of the infected area are typically used in treatment. However, some staph infections no longer respond to common antibiotics or become resistant to them. Antibiotics that cause more side effects may be necessary to treat antibiotic-resistant staph infections.