What is gram positive cocci?

Gram positive cocci are a group of microorganisms responsible for a variety of infections, including staphylococcal, or staph infections; streptococcal infections, such as strep throat; and pneumococcal infections, such as bacterial pneumonia. Gram positive cocci tend to cause infections only when they invade otherwise sterile or healthy areas.

The term "gram positive" indicates that the microorganisms retain violet dye when stained using the Gram staining method. Most of these organisms are susceptible to treatment with antibiotics, but several forms have developed resistance to antibiotics and require more aggressive forms of treatment. An example is the potentially fatal super-bug known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, which has developed resistance to most currently available antibiotics and requires intravenous antibiotic therapy, as of 2016.