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Illness caused by infection with staphylococcus bacteria and often shortened to staph infection.

Staphylococcal infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria commonly found on the skin or in the nose. The bacteria can spread between people on objects or in food. Staph infections may be mild or serious.

Staph infections can range from minor skin symptoms to food poisoning and a bloodstream infection.

Staph infections are treated with medicines that target bacteria, called antibiotics. On the skin, infected sores may be drained. If a medical device in the body is infected, it is taken out.