Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "staph," are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Sometimes, staph can cause an infection. Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. Most of these skin infections are minor, such as pimples and boils, and can be treated without antibiotics. However, staph bacteria also can cause serious infections, such as surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia. Some staph bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics. This seriously limits treatment options for patients and makes infection with staph a serious public health concern.

The CIR is conducting clinical trials for staph vaccines. For more information about participating in these studies, contact us and one of our study coordinators will be happy to help you.