<Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> Binomial name </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Staphylococcus aureus Rosenbach 1884 </Td> </Tr> <P> Staphylococcus aureus (also known as golden staph) is a gram - positive, round - shaped bacterium that is a member of the Firmicutes, and it is a member of the normal flora of the body, frequently found in the nose, respiratory tract, and on the skin . It is often positive for catalase and nitrate reduction and is a facultative anaerobe that can grow without the need for oxygen . Although S. aureus is not always pathogenic (and can commonly be found existing as a commensal), it is a common cause of skin infections including abscesses, respiratory infections such as sinusitis, and food poisoning . Pathogenic strains often promote infections by producing virulence factors such as potent protein toxins, and the expression of a cell - surface protein that binds and inactivates antibodies . The emergence of antibiotic - resistant strains of S. aureus such as methicillin - resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is a worldwide problem in clinical medicine . Despite much research and development there is no approved vaccine for S. aureus . </P> <P> Staphylococcus was first identified in 1880 in Aberdeen, Scotland, by surgeon Sir Alexander Ogston in pus from a surgical abscess in a knee joint . This name was later amended to Staphylococcus aureus by Friedrich Julius Rosenbach, who was credited by the official system of nomenclature at the time . An estimated 20% to 30% of the human population are long - term carriers of S. aureus which can be found as part of the normal skin flora, in the nostrils, and as a normal inhabitant of the lower reproductive tract of women . S. aureus can cause a range of illnesses, from minor skin infections, such as pimples, impetigo, boils, cellulitis, folliculitis, carbuncles, scalded skin syndrome, and abscesses, to life - threatening diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, toxic shock syndrome, bacteremia, and sepsis . It is still one of the five most common causes of hospital - acquired infections and is often the cause of wound infections following surgery . Each year, around 500,000 patients in hospitals of the United States contract a staphylococcal infection, chiefly by S. aureus . Up to 50,000 deaths each year in the USA are linked with S. aureus infections . </P>

Where can staph be found on the body