staphyl-, staphylo- +

One of a group of bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus that causes a multitude of diseases: Staphylococci are facultative anaerobes (those which can grow without oxygen) and do not form spores. Many species are parasites or pathogens of animals and some cause wound infections, abscesses, and a type of food poisoning.

Under a microscope, staphylococcus bacteria are round and bunched together. They can cause an illness directly by infection, or indirectly through products they make, such as the toxins responsible for food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome.

The best known member of the Staphylococcus family is the staphylococcus aureus (potentially pathogenic bacteria found in nasal membranes, skin, hair follicles, and perineum [region between the thighs] of warm-blooded animals). They may cause a wide range of infections and intoxications. Staphylococci are the main culprits in hospital-acquired infections, and cause thousands of deaths every year.

Staphylococci are killed by pasteurization and many common disinfectants.

An infection of the epidermis with staphylococci: When Janet went to her dermatologist about a pus-filled spot on her skin, Dr. Mathew said it was a case of staphyloderm which was characterized by the pus that was produced at the sore.

A dermatitis, or inflammation of the skin: Dr. Johnson, the dermatologist, told Sam that he had a condition of staphylodermatitis caused by staphylococci, which was why the skin on his face was red and itchy, and therefore it had to be treated immediately with the correct medication and he was not to touch the spot.

Relaxation or elongation of the uvula: uvuloptosis; staphyloptosia: In Floyd's biology book, a condition of staphylodialysis was described involving the falling palate, or the pendulous state of the uvula.

A protrusion of the cornea or sclera of the eye: The outer covering of the eye ,which is the cornea or sclera, can became infected or inflamed and lead to staphyloma, characterising the bulging of the globe of the eye.

Concerning or related to a staphyloma: After the ophthalmologist examined Mary's eyes, he saw immediately that her left eye was in a staphylomous condition caused by a bulging part of the urea into a thin and stretched area of sclera.

A tumor or swelling of the uvula, an anatomical term for a pendent, fleshy mass: The enlargement of Clifford's uvula turned out to be a staphyloncus and had to be removed immediately.

One of several different operations on the soft palate and uvula; palatopharyngorrhaphy: Dr. Dawson told Sam that a kind of surgery, called staphylopharyngorrhaphy, was the only way to cure the disorder of his soft palate and the pharynx.

Plastic surgery of the uvula or soft palate; palatoplasty: When Jack was in hospital following the terrible car accident, Dr. Smart told him that an operation termed staphyloplasty could restore the soft palate because it was injured in the accident.

Relaxation or elongation of the uvula; uvuloptosis: Staphyloptosis is a pendulous state or extension of the uvula, or a falling of the palate. .

Suture of a cleft palate: Staphylorrhaphy is a surgical technique to restore a cleft palate by putting together the varied parts of the cleft into one shape or unit.

A cleft palate: Staphyloschisis is a bifid uvula, or one that is separated into two equal parts or lobes.

A toxin caused by one of the staphylococci, particulary staphylococcus aureus: Staphylotoxin bacteria is a poisonous matter originating from staphylococcus bacteria.

Among some of the toxins produced are an enterotoxin, a cause of food poisoning, and exotoxins, including a hemotoxin that lyses (destruction of) red blood cells, a dermonecrotic toxin, toxic shock syndrome toxin, and leukocidins.