10 Questions
Which characteristic differentiates Staphylococcus saprophyticus from Staphylococcus epidermidis?
Novobiocin resistance
Where is Staphylococcus saprophyticus normally found in the body?
Female genital tract and perineum
What is the Gram stain result for Staphylococcus saprophyticus?
Gram positive cocci
What type of infections does Staphylococcus saprophyticus commonly cause in young females?
Urinary tract infections
Which enzyme is produced by Staphylococcus saprophyticus?
Urease
What characteristic allows Staphylococcus epidermidis to infect prosthetic devices and IV catheters?
Formation of adherent biofilms
Which test would help differentiate between Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus in a laboratory setting?
Novobiocin sensitivity test
Which statement is exclusively correct for Staphylococcus saprophyticus?
It is resistant to Novobiocin
What is the least likely habitat for Staphylococcus epidermidis as normal microbiota?
Female genital tract
Which of these infections is Staphylococcus epidermidis most commonly associated with due to its biofilm-producing ability?
Prosthetic device infections
Study Notes
Staphylococcus saprophyticus Characteristics
- Gram-positive, catalase-positive, coagulase-negative, and urease-positive cocci that grow in clusters
Identification and Differentiation
- Resistant to novobiocin (in contrast to Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is novobiocin-sensitive)
Habitat and Prevalence
- Normal microbiota of the female genital tract and perineum
Clinical Significance
- Second most common cause of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young females, after E. coli
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
This quiz covers the characteristics of Staphylococcus saprophyticus, including its Gram reaction, enzyme production, and role in urinary tract infections.
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