Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterial species well-adapted to human beings. However, despite the fact that approximately 60-70% of all human beings have an inherent resistance to nasal colonisation by this opportunistic pathogen, little is known on the innate and acquired immune characteristics that give rise to the non-colonised state. Hence, anti-staphylococcal measures associated with detailed knowledge on the host-pathogen interaction are sparse. This also reflects upon the application of anti-staphylococcal vaccines. Hardly anything is known on the natural humoral immune response to colonisation and infection, the relative immunogenicity of staphylococcal antigens, which antigens should be considered optimal vaccination targets and whether vaccination success scan be anticipated in the future. The presentation will summarise the state of affairs with respect to vaccine trials, humoral immunity and future prospects in a field covered in biological landmines.