Staphylococcus saprophyticus

This Gram positive coccus is found as singles, pairs, and infrequently as irregular, grape-like clusters. Cells are catalase positive and exhibit facultatively anaerobic metabolism. Able to use glucose oxidatively and, to a lesser extent, fermentatively. Salt tolerant in media with NaCl concentrations up to 10%. Growth occurs at temperatures between 10-40 C, with optimum growth occurring between 28-35 C. Isolated most frequently from the skin of humans, and from other animals on occasion. It is a common cause of urinary tract infections, particularly in young women.