ASL STEM

Definition

A genus of spherical Gram-positive (Gram's stain) bacteria, typically occurring in clusters, many of which are implicated in human diseases. Staphylococcal infections include boils and abscesses, and one form of food poisoning. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is an extreme pathogen which is resistant to a wide spectrum of antibiotics.

Source: The Penguin Dictionary of Science. London: Penguin, 2009. Credo Reference. Web. 17 August 2012.