Pyelonephritis-associated Staphylococcus saprophyticus bacteremia in an immunocompetent host: Case report and review of the literature

Staphylococcus saprophyticus is one of the coagulase-negative staphylococcus species. It is the second most frequent causative microorganism in acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections in young women. However, it is potentially capable of causing more invasive infections including bacteremia, particularly secondary to pyelonephritis. We present a young, previously healthy lady who presented with urinary symptoms and hemodynamic instability and was found to have multiple renal and ureteric calculi with pyelonephritis. Later, blood and urine cultures isolated methicillin-resistant S. saprophyticus. The patient was successfully treated with a course of antibiotics targeting the organism with a favorable outcome. The clinical presentations and management of this rare entity of S. saprophyticus bacteremia-related pyelonephritis are outlined. In addition, the literature on similar cases was reviewed to raise awareness and avoid devastating consequences.