Staphylococcus aureus is an important bacterium in human beings; it can merely colonise or can invade and cause infections that range in severity from minor to fatal. Although S aureus can colonise any part of the integument or mucous membranes, the human nose, especially the anterior nares, has long been recognised as the most common site of colonisation. In the mid-20th century rates of carriage were 10—70%, but recent data suggest present rates are 20—30%. Not all people are equally resistant to ...