Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of patients with Staphylococcus saprophyticus bacteriuria in Israel

Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a leading cause of lower urinary tract infections (UTI) in young women in the USA, Canada and Scandinavian countries, but seems to be very rare in other countries like Israel. The goal of this study was to investigate the incidence of S. saprophyticus in Northern Israel and to compare demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with S. saprophyticus and Escherichia coli bacteriuria.

Data from all patients with S. saprophyticus bacteriuria isolated in two major laboratories in northern Israel during a 1-year period were analyzed and clinical and epidemiological findings from 129 patients with S. saprophyticus bacteriuria were compared to that of 129 patients with E. coli bacteriuria.

The incidence of S. saprophyticus in our region was 0.09% among all urine cultures requested. Patients with S. saprophyticus bacteriuria are mainly young women, more likely suffering asymptomatic bacteriuria, complain less of dysuria and burning and are less hospitalized than those infected with E. coli. Reported risk factors associated to S. saprophyticus bacteriuria such us seasonal variation, occupation in meat products industry, use of contraceptives, or sexual activity were not found by us. No nasal, vaginal, or rectal carriage was demonstrated.

S. saprophyticus is a very uncommon urinary pathogen in Northern Israel. The natural reservoir of this uropathogen in our region remains unknown.