Urinary tract infections due to Staphylococcus saprophyticus in a child

Staphylococcus (S.) saprophyticus belongs to the coagulase-negative staphyl ococci and is the cause of urinary tract infections, especially in young wo men, rarely in children and in elderly men. Probably the real incidence of urinary tract infections due to these organi sms is higher than usually accepted. We report on a 11 3/12-year-old girl, who developed symptoms of a urinary tract infection (dysuria, flank pain), but without fever and elevated CRP. In the bladder aspirate we found leukoc ytes and 5. saprophyticus (cotrimoxazole-resistent). Ultrasound detected in trarenal doubling, but no typical anomalies, disposing for urinary tract in fections. The treatment with cefuroxim i.v. and clindamycin p.o. was succes ful. Conclusion: Coagulase-negative staphylococci cultivated in urine repre sent contamination (mostly S. epidermidis - except in patients, who have un dergone manipulation or catheterization of the urinary tract) or they are t he cause of an urinary tract infection (mostly 5. saprophyticus).