Download A4Medicine Mobile App
Empower Your RCGP AKT Journey: Master the MCQs with Us! 🚀
Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a Gram-positive, coagulase-negative bacterium that is part of the normal flora of the human genitourinary tract.Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a significant pathogen in urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly among young women.
It is recognized as one of the leading causes of uncomplicated cystitis, accounting for approximately 10% to 20% of these infections. Unlike Escherichia coli, which is the predominant cause of UTIs, S. saprophyticus has distinct epidemiological and pathogenic characteristics. It is especially notable because of its association with honeymoon cystitis—a term used to describe UTIs that occur following sexual activity. The organism can adhere to the uroepithelium more readily due to its surface adhesins, which facilitate colonization and infection.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Clinical Presentation | - Dysuria (painful urination) - Urinary frequency - Urinary urgency - Suprapubic pain - Hematuria (blood in urine) - Fever and flank pain (less common, may suggest pyelonephritis) |
| Diagnosis | - Urine Culture: Growth of S. saprophyticus (≥10^3 CFU/mL) considered diagnostic - Gram Stain: Gram-positive cocci in clusters - Urease Test: Urease-positive (differentiates from other coagulase-negative staphylococci) |
| Treatment | - First-Line Antibiotics: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin - Alternative Antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin-clavulanate (check resistance patterns) - Resistance: Typically resistant to... |
Try our Free Plan to get the full article.
