Question

A 25-year-old female patient presents with burning upon urination and has recently been sexually active. A vaginal swab is cultured and is found to be novobiocin resistant, oxidase negative, and coagulase negative. Which of the following is the likely cause of infection?

A. Micrococcus
B. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus
C. Staphylococcus saprophyticus
D. Staphylococcus epidermidis

Answer 1

The likely cause of infection in the patient is Staphylococcus saprophyticus.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the information provided, the likely cause of infection in the 25-year-old female patient is Staphylococcus saprophyticus (Option C). This bacterium is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus and is the second most common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) after Escherichia coli. Staphylococcus saprophyticus is often associated with UTIs in young sexually active women, and its resistance to novobiocin is a distinguishing characteristic.