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Staphylococcus

Staphylococci
Scientific classification
Domain:Bacteria
Division:Firmicutes
Order:Bacillales
Family: Staphylococcaceae
Genus: Staphylococcus
Species
  S. aureus
  S. capitis
  S. epidermidis
  S. haemolyticus
  S. hominis
  S. lugdunensis
  S. saprophyticus
  S. warneri
  S. xylosus

Staphylococcus is a genus of gram-positive bacteria. Under the microscope they appear round (cocci), and form in grape-like clusters (staphyl is Greek for bunch of grapes).

There are many species of staphylococci, most are completely harmless, and reside normally on the skin.

One harmful species is Staphylococcus aureus, which can infect wounds.