Ultrathin section of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterial species commonly present on skin and mucous membranes, esp. those of nose and mouth, characterized by the production of a golden-yellow pigment. They are gram-positive, coagulase-positive anaerobes. A cause of suppurative conditions such as boils, carbuncles, and internal abscesses in humans. Various strains of this species produce toxins including those that cause food poisoning, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome and toxic shock syndrome. Some strains also produce hemolykins and staphylokinase. TEM Magnification=X15,000 at 70mm.