Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a bacterium that about 30% of people carry in their noses. Most of the time, it does not cause any harm; however, sometimes it causes infections that can be serious or fatal.

Infections caused by this pathogen are common both in community-acquired and hospital-acquired settings. The treatment remains challenging due to the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains such as MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

Skin and soft tissue infections range in severity from minor, self-limiting, superficial infections to life-threatening diseases. Superficial infections may lead to even more invasive infections such as bacteraemia and osteomyelitis.