Staphylococcus Saprophyticus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Causative Ability 

Staphylococcus Saprophyticus is staphylococcus, which is characterized by their ability to produce the enzyme coagulase. They are therefore facultative anaerobes, hence the ability to grow aerobically or through fermentation which favors their preference of the urinary tract. The bacteria Staphylococcus Saprophyticus is a coagulase-negative species with an abundant transporter system. This allows it to adapt to the human body urinary tract ever-changing osmolality, pH, and urea concentration caused by the urine. It (the bacteria) also contains urease that hydrolyses urea that derives ammonia, thus the ability to metabolize nitrogen. This activity by urease is the “infection factor” in UTI, causing the sharp and burning sensation during sexual intercourse or when urinating. 

Enzymes Produced 

Patients with Urinary tract infection that has been caused by Staphylococcus Saprophyticus present symptomatic cystitis that is a characteristic of its strong adherence to human urothelium. Usually, this species of staphylococcal bacteria produces an extracellular enzyme complex that inhibits the growth of gram positive and negative bacteria within the urinary tract. 

Adherence 

Staphylococcus Saprophyticus is a gram-positive, non-haemolytic, coagulase negative coccus, a common cause for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, especially among sexually active females. S. saphrophyticus propagates and colonizes the bladder and the ureter epithelium through the different types of adhesins that are anchored within a cell wall. Surface-associated lipase that allows for the formation of fimbria-like surface appendages and hemagglutinins (usually with autolytic/adhesive properties) enable the bacteria to adhere to these surfaces. The presence of urease, present in the urine, accentuates growth of Staphylococcus Saprophyticus. Today, some strains of Staphylococcus Saprophyticus have the ability to create biofilms that help them in increasing their virulence, which enhances antibiotic resistance. 

Target of Infection 

It is an infection that is usually found in sexually active females, between the ages of 17-25, although it can be found in all other ages and gender as long as they are sexually active. However, it is more prevalent and obvious in women as compared to men, although symptoms are experienced are the same. 

The Disease’s Life Cycle 

Upon infection, there occurs attachment of the migramms on human ureter epithelium due to the adhesive factors of the bacteria. Cell proliferation then occurs with leads to the formation of a monolayer on the urinary tract; this the start of the maturation period. Thereafter gene expression changes lead to the formation of micro colony and then that of the biofilm. Once the microfilm have been formed, they are ready for dispersion once favorable conditions arise, and the person becomes contagious, if they get involved with someone else. 

References 

Parker, C. T., Taylor, D., & Garrity, G. M. (2003). Exemplar Abstract for Staphylococcus saprophyticus saprophyticus (Fairbrother 1940) Shaw et al. 1951 (Approved Lists 1980) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (Fairbrother 1940) Shaw et al. 1951 (Approved Lists 1980). The NamesforLife Abstracts . doi:10.1601/ex.5268 

Raz, R., Colodner, R., & Kunin, C. M. (2005). Who Are You--Staphylococcus saprophyticus? Clinical Infectious Diseases, 40 (6), 896-898. doi:10.1086/428353