Specific nucleic acid sequences, e.g., SEQ ID NOs:2-8, for detecting Staphylococcus aureus. Also disclosed is a method of detecting Staphylococcus aureus. The method includes providing a sample having a nucleic acid from an unknown microorganism; amplifying the nucleic acid with a pair of primers, each containing an oligo-nucleotide selected from the Staphylococcus aureus gap regulator gene region (SEQ ID NO:1) and each having 14-40 nucleotides in length; and detecting an amplification product. Detection of the amplification product, e.g., using SEQ ID NO:2, 7, or 8 as a probe, indicates the presence of Staphylococcus aureus.