Overview. Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to as staph, is a very common bacteria. Approximately 25-30% of healthy people carry this organism on their skin or in their nose. Sometimes, staph causes an infection.Staph bacteria are the most common causes of skin infections in the United States.verview. Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to as staph, is a very common bacteria. Approximately 25-30% of healthy people carry this organism on their skin or in their nose. Sometimes, staph causes an infection.
Bacteria can often be killed by antibiotics because the cell wall on the outside is destroyed, expelling the DNA out of the body of the pathogen, therefore making the pathogen incapable of producing proteins and dies. Bacteria typically range between 1 and 5 micrometers in length.
Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections. Used properly, antibiotics can save lives. They either kill bacteria or keep them from reproducing. Your body's natural defenses can usually take it from there. Antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses, such as. 1  Colds. 2  Flu. 3  Most coughs and bronchitis.  Sore throats, unless caused by strep.