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[Urinary tract infection by Staphylococcus saprophyticus in a child]
R Schille1, G Sierig, F B Spencker
1Kinderklinik, Universität Leipzig.
Insights
Staphylococcus saprophyticus causes urinary tract infections, particularly in young women. This case study details a successful treatment of a resistant strain in a young girl, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Staphylococcus (S.) saprophyticus, a coagulase-negative staphylococci, is a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in young women.
- The actual incidence of UTIs caused by S. saprophyticus may be underestimated.
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci in urine typically indicate contamination, except in specific patient populations or when S. saprophyticus is identified.
Unlabelled:
Staphylococcus (S.) saprophyticus belongs to the coagulase-negative staphylococci and is the cause of urinary tract infections, especially in young women, rarely in children and in elderly men. Probably the real incidence of urinary tract infections due to these organisms is higher than usually accepted. We report on a 11 3/12-year-old girl, who developed symptoms of a urinary tract infection (dysuria, flank pain), but without fever and elevated CRP. In the bladder aspirate we found leukocytes and S. saprophyticus (cotrimoxazole-resistant). Ultrasound detected intrarenal doubling, but no typical anomalies, disposing for urinary tract infections. The treatment with cefuroxim i.v. and clindamycin p.o. was successful.
Conclusion:
Coagulase-negative staphylococci cultivated in urine represent contamination (mostly S. epidermidis--except in patients, who have undergone manipulation or catheterization of the urinary tract) or they are the cause of an urinary tract infection (mostly S. saprophyticus).