Staphylococci cause which of the following conditions?

• A. Pneumonia
• B. Abscesses, pustules, and boils
• C. Blood poisoning
• D. Strep throats

Answer: (B)

Staphylococci commonly cause skin infections that form pus, such as abscesses, pustules, and boils. When these bacteria invade hair follicles or breaks in the skin, they trigger inflammation and pus production, leading to localized lesions like boils and pustules and, if the infection goes deeper, abscesses. This pattern is classic for Staphylococcus aureus, a common skin organism in esthetic settings, and it’s why this option—describing skin infections with pus formation—is the best fit. While Staphylococcus can cause pneumonia or bloodstream infections in more severe cases, those aren’t as characteristic in typical skin-related esthetic contexts. Strep throat is caused by Streptococcus, not Staphylococcus, so it doesn’t fit the organism in question.