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

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

Answer: (D)

Staphylococcus saprophyticus is most commonly linked to urinary tract infections, especially acute cystitis in young sexually active women. This organism is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus that frequently inhabits the genitourinary tract and can ascend to cause symptomatic UTIs. While furuncles and impetigo are typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus, and otitis media by other organisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae, S. saprophyticus is a classic non-E. coli cause of UTIs. A helpful lab distinction is that S. saprophyticus is novobiocin resistant, which helps separate it from other coagulase-negative staphylococci like S. epidermidis.