Staphylococcus aureus bacteria

Staphylococcus aureus is a round-shaped bacterium that is a member of the Firmicutes phylum.  It is a usual member of the microbiota of the body, frequently found in the upper respiratory tract and on the skin.

It can grow without the need for oxygen and can also become an opportunistic pathogen.  It is a common cause of food poisoning and also of skin infections including abscesses and respiratory infections such as sinusitis.

Copyright: Wikipedia

Staphylococcus aureus
SEM of Staphylococcus aureus
Image credit: CDC
Staphylococcus aureus art on copper
Copyright: Cheryl Safren

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