What is Staphylococcus? Staphylococcus is a genus that encompasses numerous species, including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Infections caused by Staphylococcus are known as staph infections. These bacteria are typically found on the skin and generally do not cause infections. However, when there is a disruption that allows these bacteria to enter the