Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and can be treated with antibiotics. It is a coagulase-negative bacterium that can be found on the skin and around the anus, but can cause an infection if it enters the body. Symptoms include burning or itching during urination, swelling, and discomfort. Poor hygiene can contribute to the development of an infection, and home treatment is not recommended. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics after analyzing a urine sample.
Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a bacterium of the Staphylococcus genus that is most commonly identified in urinary tract infections (UTIs). People colonized by this organism can be treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria and usually make a full recovery unless they have compromised immune systems or unusual complications develop. These bacteria are resistant to some common antibiotics, which is why it’s important to obtain a culture for treating a urinary tract infection, to confirm that the appropriate medication is being prescribed.
This bacterium is one of the Staphylococcus organisms classified as coagulase-negative, which means that it does not produce the protein coagulase. The distinction between coagulase-negative and coagulase-positive organisms is a common division used to describe different types of Staphylococcus bacteria. Laboratory tests can show whether a bacterium is making the protein, and this information can be very important for diagnosis and treatment, helping doctors narrow down the identification of a bacterium more quickly.
Many healthy individuals carry Staphylococcus saprophyticus with them, especially around the anus and on the skin. These bacteria are not harmful as long as they do not enter the body. If a cut or scrape allows Staphylococcus saprophyticus to enter, however, the bacteria can begin to reproduce, creating an infection for the patient. As the immune system responds to the bacteria, the area becomes warm and inflamed and signs of infection will be seen.
People with urinary tract infections caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus usually feel a burning or itching sensation when they urinate. The lower body may also feel swollen and uncomfortable, and people may feel like they need to pee, but be unable to produce urine. You may also feel a dripping sensation after urinating. Both men and women can develop infections with this bacteria, but it tends to be more common in women.
Poor hygiene can be a contributing factor in the development of an infection. People with UTIs sometimes attempt home treatment by drinking plenty of fluids, especially acidic ones like cranberry juice, or by consuming probiotic bacteria to fight off infectious bacteria. However, this is not necessarily recommended, as some organisms resist home treatment and the infection can progress to a dangerous stage. A doctor can take a urine sample and send it to a laboratory for analysis to determine the cause of an infection and recommend possible treatment options. In the case of Staphylococcus saprophyticus, antibiotics are usually prescribed to fight the bacteria.
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