Staphylococcus
Staphylococcus, genus of round, parasitic bacteria , commonly found in air and water and on the skin and upper part of the human pharynx. These bacteria are known to cause pneumonia and septicemia as well as boils and kidney and wound infections (see Abscess ; Carbuncle ; Infection ). The antibiotic drug penicillin was once effective for the treatment and control of staphylococci, but the increase of resistant strains requires use of other antiobiotic agents such as semi-synthetic penicillins, cephalosporins or vancomycin. Two common species of Staphylococcus include Staphylococcus aureus, which is commonly responsible for skin infections, and Staphylococcus epidermis, which does not normally cause infection. However, either of these bacteria can cause serious infections under the right conditions. S. aureus is found on the skin and in the nostrils of many healthy individuals. These bacteria often give rise to minor superficial diseases, including the formation of pustules or boils