Revealing hidden moves: <i>Staphylococcus</i> spp. exhibit motility in semisolid media

The ability to move is an important characteristic for many bacteria to colonize and infect hosts, yet motility in <i>Staphylococcus</i> is understudied. Our work reveals that several species, notably <i>S. pseudintermedius</i> and <i>S. schleiferi</i>, can actively move across surfaces. This previously hidden capability may be crucial for how these bacteria spread and cause infections. Our evaluation of how different growth conditions and specific genes impact this trait shows species-dependent effects. This study opens new research avenues for understanding the mechanisms these bacteria use to spread within both the environment and their hosts.