The term INFECTION CAUSE can be broken down into two crossword solutions: STAPH and GERM. Staph is an abbreviation for Staphylococcus, a genus of Gram-positive bacteria that can cause a wide range of infections in humans. These infections can range from minor skin irritations to life-threatening illnesses such as pneumonia and meningitis. GERM is a general term used to refer to any microorganism that can cause disease. This includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Both Staph and GERM are common causes of infection and can lead to serious health complications if not treated properly.