Staphylococcus, commonly referred to as staph, is a type of bacteria that usually lives harmlessly on the skin and in the nasal passages of approximately 30 percent of Americans and on the skin of 20 percent. These bacteria also inhabit the mouth, respiratory tract, and other mucous membranes, as part of the normal human microbiome.
Infections may arise when staph bacteria enter the skin through cuts or sores, which can lead to internal infections and serious complications.




