"Staphylococcus aureus" is a staphylococcus bacterium that can cause dangerous or even fatal diseases. Because "Staphylococcus aureus" can live on dry surfaces, such as doorknobs or tables, for longer than most bacteria, someone can get sick from "Staphylococcus aureus" from touching one of those surfaces if someone with a staphylococcal infection has touched it even if there is nobody who has a staphylococcal infection near them. "Staphylococcus aureus" can also cause toxic shock syndrome by releasing toxins into the bloodstream.