UTI Caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus

Abstract

Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) are one of the most frequently isolated bacteria in the clinical microbiology laboratory. These bacteria are normal inhabitants of human skin and mucous membranes; also, they have emerged as significant nosocomial pathogens. Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a Gram-positive bacterium well known for causing uncomplicated urinary tract infections in young sexually active females, responsible for complications including urinary tract infections, epididymitis, prostatitis, and acute pyelonephritis. CoNS can be divided into two groups based on susceptibility to novobiocin. The novobiocin-susceptible species include S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, S. hominins, S. lugdunensis, S. schleiferi, and the novobiocin-resistance species, including S. saprophyticus and S. xylosus. The acute uncomplicated UTI, including cystitis and pyelonephritis, is frequent in an immunocompetent nonpregnant female population, the second most common cause of community-acquired urinary tract bacterial infection in women after the Escherichia coli. S. saprophyticus is a part of the normal human flora which colonizes the rectum, urethra, cervix, and gastrointestinal tract. Bacterial colonization of the bladder and ureter epithelium occurs via several types of adhesin, including hemagglutinins with autolytic properties. Also, some strains can create and produce biofilms to increase their pathogenicity.