Medicine: The Staph of Death

Sulfa drugs and antibiotics have worked miracles against most kinds of germs, but with one species, Staphylococcus aureus, their too-liberal use has backfired. Last week US. physicians were pondering massive evidence in the A.M.A. Journal showing that 1) infections acquired in hospitals are a deadly and growing peril; and 2) antiseptic methods are as important as ever.

"Staph," as medical men nickname the germs, cause the commonest and most minor bacterial infections—but also the most dangerous. They are found in boils and in the pus of infected wounds. They may cause pus-filled blisters...