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Urinary tract infections caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus. A matched case control study
1Department of Clinical Bacteriology, Karolinska Institute, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
Epidemiological and clinical aspects of 270 episodes of urinary tract infection caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus were studied. The cases were randomly selected and matched consecutively with 276 others of urinary tract infection according to sex, age and temporal occurrence. Such infections were found typically among young women in the outpatient health service. They were common among professionals handling meat products and were especially associated with prior outdoor swimming. Common symptoms of inflammation of the lower urinary tract, haematuria and pyuria were seen more often among patients with S. saprophyticus infections. Some cases of asymptomatic S. saprophyticus infection, however, were seen. We found S. saprophyticus as the cause of 13% upper urinary tract infections, an incidence which is higher than has been reported for other bacteria. Staphylococcus saprophyticus was less correlated to nephrolithiasis and was not a common cause of catheter-induced infections.
Insights
Staphylococcus saprophyticus commonly causes urinary tract infections in young women, particularly after outdoor swimming. This bacterium is also a significant cause of upper urinary tract infections.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, with various etiological agents.
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a recognized cause of UTIs, particularly in specific demographics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of urinary tract infections caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
- To compare S. saprophyticus UTIs with other bacterial UTIs regarding symptoms, risk factors, and complications.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- 270 episodes of S. saprophyticus UTIs were randomly selected and matched with 276 other UTI episodes.
- Data collected included patient demographics, clinical presentation, and potential risk factors.
Main Results:
- S. saprophyticus UTIs predominantly affect young women in outpatient settings.
- Risk factors included occupational exposure (meat handlers) and outdoor swimming.
- Symptoms like lower urinary tract inflammation, hematuria, and pyuria were more frequent.
- S. saprophyticus caused 13% of upper UTIs, a higher incidence than other bacteria.
- Lower correlation with nephrolithiasis and catheter-induced infections was observed.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a significant pathogen in young women's UTIs, with distinct clinical and epidemiological features.
- The association with outdoor swimming and its role in upper UTIs warrant further attention.
- S. saprophyticus is less implicated in complicated UTIs such as those associated with kidney stones or catheters.