A genus of spherical bacteria that form grape-like clusters, including both harmless and pathogenic species.
From Greek staphylē meaning 'bunch of grapes' and kokkos meaning 'berry' or 'seed'. Named for the characteristic clustered appearance of these bacteria under microscopic observation.
About 30% of healthy people carry staphylococcus aureus in their noses without any symptoms, but this same bacteria can cause life-threatening infections if it enters wounds - a perfect example of how context determines whether a microbe is friend or foe.
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