The Staphylococcus genus of bacteria is the source of staph infections, a category of infections that can range in severity from minor skin ailments to serious and often fatal disorders. Human skin and mucous membranes are frequently home to Staphylococcus bacteria, which, although generally coexisting innocuously, can cause infections when they penetrate the body through cuts, wounds, or other openings.

One of the main characteristics of staph infections is their capacity to cause a broad spectrum of symptoms and impact different body areas. The kind of Staphylococcus bacteria involved, the person's general health, and the immune system's reaction all affect how serious the infection is.

One prevalent species of Staphylococcus that can infect people is Staphylococcus aureus. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a difficult-to-treat form of bacteria that has acquired resistance to several medications.

Skin infections like cellulitis, impetigo, and boils are common kinds of Staph infections. In addition to respiratory infections and food poisoning, Staph bacteria can also cause more serious illnesses like pneumonia and bloodstream infections.

Depending on the type and location of the infection, diagnosis of Staph infections usually entails a clinical examination, laboratory testing, and occasionally imaging techniques. .