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Staphylococcus saprophyticus
📖 About
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus of generally low pathogenicity, but it is a classic cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young women.
🔬 Characteristics
- Gram-positive cocci in clusters; aerobic or facultative anaerobe.
- 🧪 Catalase positive → distinguishes from Streptococcus.
- 🧪 Coagulase negative → distinguishes from S. aureus.
- 🧪 Novobiocin resistant → key test (vs. S. epidermidis, which is sensitive).
- Non-haemolytic; colonies are white to slightly yellow on blood agar.
🏠 Source
- Part of the normal female genitourinary flora (especially vaginal tract).
- Also found in GI tract and perineal area.
⚠️ Pathogenicity
- 🚻 Causes 10–20% of acute uncomplicated UTIs in sexually active young females.
- Typically nitrite-negative on urine dipstick (vs. E. coli which is usually nitrite-positive).
- Rare: prostatitis in men, other GU infections.
- Advice: micturition post-intercourse may reduce recurrence risk.
🔎 Investigations
- Culture: White/yellow colonies, non-haemolytic.
- Coagulase test: Negative (rules out S. aureus).
- Novobiocin resistance: Diagnostic hallmark of S. saprophyticus.
- DNAse test: Negative (vs. S. aureus, which is positive).
💊 Management
- First-line: Nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for uncomplicated UTIs.
- Alternatives: Fosfomycin or fluoroquinolones (depending on local resistance patterns).
- Hydration & post-coital voiding can help prevent recurrence.
- Follow-up if symptoms persist/return (resistance patterns vary).
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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