Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a recognized pathogen most commonly associated with which type of infection?

• A. Urinary tract infections
• B. Furuncles
• C. Impetigo
• D. Otitis media

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is which infection Staphylococcus saprophyticus is most often linked to. This organism is a common cause of urinary tract infections, especially uncomplicated cystitis in young sexually active women. It’s a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus that frequently colonizes the female genital and perineal area, and when it enters the urethra it can ascend to cause a UTI. In the lab, it helps distinguish itself by its novobiocin resistance, contrasting with Staphylococcus epidermidis which is usually novobiocin sensitive. Other infections listed are more typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus or other organisms, not Staphylococcus saprophyticus. So UTIs are the infection most strongly associated with this bacterium.