STAPH
This is short for Staphylococcus, a genus of micrococci bacteria with many
members that can cause disease. They are gram-positive, nonmotile bacteria that are
aerobic-(unless they need to be anaerobic). Staph of various types are responsible for
boils and carbuncles; they may be involved in impetigo, toxic shock syndrome,
endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and urinary tract infections, as well as some food poisoning.
They stay around hospitals and veterinary clinics waiting to get you. They are also
a normal part of the mouth, throat, and skin flora in a third to a half of all of us, causing
no problems, but just waiting. Staph has always been with us. Some even eat our
antibiotics for breakfast.
staph Staphylococcus