The present invention relates to methods of treating and preventing Staphylococcus aureus infection and/or a condition resulting from a S. aureus infection a subject that involves administering a CD11b inhibitor. The present invention further relates to a non-human transgenic animal expressing human CD11b and its use in methods of identifying novel therapeutics for the treatment and prevention of Staphylococcus aureus infection and/or a condition resulting from a S. aureus infection.