Topoisomerase III polypeptides and DNA and RNA encoding such Topoisomerase III polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such Topoisomerase III for the treatment of infection, particularly bacterial infections. Antagonists against such Topoisomerase III and their use as a therapeutic to treat infections, particularly bacterial infections are also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to the presence of Topoisomerase III nucleic acid sequences and the polypeptides in a host. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting polynucleotides encoding Staphylococcal Topoisomerase III and for detecting the polypeptide in a host.