Role of Staphylococcus saprophyticus in human infection

Biological properties of Staphylococcus saprophyticus strains isolated from urinary tract infection and respiratory tract secretions were investigated. The majority of S. saprophyticus strains exhibit moderate surface hydrophobic properties, as measured by Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography. There was no significant difference between two groups of isolates in respect to electrostatic charge. It was found that the ability to form a diffuse type of growth is characteristic for most of S. saprophyticus strains despite of source of isolation. Five carbohydrates on the surface of 25% of S. saprophyticus strains were shown by means of specific lectin agglutination. Some of the tested strains were capable to bind labelled fibrinogen.