Antibiotic resistance: we must act now says WHO.

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/03march/Pages/antibiotic-resistance-who-strategy.aspx

Staphylococcus aureus might be an intracellular pathogen

Increasing evidence indicates that Staphylococcus aureus might be a facultative intracellular pathogen. In particular, certain subpopulations, called small colony variants (SCVs), seem to be well adapted to the intracellular milieu. When compared to ‘normal’ staphylococcal strains, SCVs show increased uptake by host cells, resistance to intracellular defences and reduced stimulation of host defences. We propose that the ability to form two subpopulations with different phenotypes might allow S. aureus the option for both extra- cellular and intra-cellular survival in the host.
Trends in Microbiology 2012 (Article in Press)

http://images.cell.com/images/Edimages/chom/TIM_Feb.pdf