5 Questions
What is a distinguishing characteristic of Staphylococcus saprophyticus compared to Staphylococcus epidermidis?
Novobiocin resistant
Which property would you not find in both Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus?
Ferments mannitol
Which organism is most commonly associated with infections of prosthetic devices and IV catheters?
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Which of the following would incorrectly identify a sample as Staphylococcus saprophyticus?
Coagulase test positive
Where is Staphylococcus saprophyticus most commonly found as a normal microbiota?
Female genital tract and perineum
Study Notes
Staphylococcus epidermidis
- Gram-positive, catalase-positive, coagulase-negative, urease-positive cocci that form clusters
- Sensitive to novobiocin
- Does not ferment mannitol, unlike Staphylococcus aureus which can ferment it
- Normal microbiota of skin, can contaminate blood cultures
- Infects prosthetic devices (e.g. hip implant, heart valve) and IV catheters by producing adherent biofilms
Staphylococcus saprophyticus
- Gram-positive, catalase-positive, coagulase-negative, urease-positive cocci that form clusters
- Resistant to novobiocin
- Normal microbiota of female genital tract and perineum
- Second most common cause of uncomplicated UTI in young females, after E coli
Identify the characteristics of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus, including their Gram reaction, catalase and coagulase production, and ability to ferment mannitol.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
