Staphylococcus saprophyticus

Gram Stain

• Gram positive cocci in clusters (aerobic)

Clinical Significance

This organism causes urinary tract infections (UTI) in sexually active young females (15-55 yrs).  In males, it can cause UTIs in association with indwelling catheters or obstruction. 

It has been implicated in non-gonococcal urethritis/prostatitis (may be sexually transmitted) and can cause bacteremia, septicemia, pneumonia, and wound infections.

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

This organism is typically susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefazolin, cefuroxime (but not cefixime), quinolones, nitrofurantoin, vancomycin, and TMP/SMX (some resistance in the latter).

It is resistant to fosfomycin.