Which bacteria are known to grow in clusters and cause abscesses and boils?

Staphylococci are a type of bacteria that are known for their characteristic cluster growth pattern, resembling grapes when observed under a microscope. This grouping is significant because it contributes to their pathogenicity. Staphylococci are responsible for various infections, including abscesses and boils, due to their ability to invade tissues and evade the immune system.

Unlike other types of bacteria, such as streptococci, which typically form chains and have a different pathogenic profile, staphylococci thrive in clusters that enhance their virulence, making them more adept at causing localized infections like skin abscesses and boils. This clustering behavior also helps them to form biofilms, contributing to their survival in hostile environments and their resistance to certain treatments.

In the context of the other bacterial classifications, cocci are a broader category that includes both staphylococci and streptococci as well as other types of spherical bacteria, but it does not specify those that cause skin infections. Bacilli, on the other hand, refer to rod-shaped bacteria and are not typically associated with the specific conditions mentioned in the question. Thus, staphylococci are correctly identified as the bacteria that grow in clusters and are known for causing abscesses and boils.