Staphylococcus Aureus in Urinary Tract Infections

Q: Staphylococcus Aureus in Urinary Tract Infections

Hello： To put it simply, your symptoms do not quite match the test results. <br>If Staphylococcus aureus is causing a urinary tract infection and shows multiple drug resistances, it usually indicates a weakened immune system and typically presents with severe symptoms; such cases

Urinary tract infection diagnosed with Staphylococcus aureus?

Hello, Doctor Du.
A few months ago, I was troubled by symptoms suspected to be gonorrhea, but tests did not confirm it.
Currently, my symptoms include occasional sharp pain in the urethra, a slight foreign body sensation, and redness of the glans.
I have visited many hospitals for examinations, but it seems that no bacterial cultures were performed; doctors usually only conducted routine urinalysis.
Therefore, in early February, I paid out of pocket for tests at a medical laboratory, which revealed the presence of Ureaplasma and Staphylococcus aureus.
I underwent treatment with erythromycin for three weeks and took three different antibiotics, but there was no significant improvement.
However, both the medical laboratory and the hospitals did not detect Ureaplasma.
Currently, I am only taking anti-inflammatory medication.
Last week, I returned to the medical laboratory, and this time, they detected multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, with most drug sensitivity tests showing resistance.
Several previous doctors mentioned that Staphylococcus aureus is not significant, and large hospitals did not find any staphylococci in their urinalysis.
However, the medical laboratory detected more types of resistance in March than in February.
I have been following the doctor's orders and taking my medication on time.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Is there a way to treat multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus? 2.
Could my current symptoms be caused by a staphylococcal infection? 3.
Why do most doctors believe that detecting Staphylococcus aureus is not significant? Thank you.

Ke Sheng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/20

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: To put it simply, your symptoms do not quite match the test results.
If Staphylococcus aureus is causing a urinary tract infection and shows multiple drug resistances, it usually indicates a weakened immune system and typically presents with severe symptoms; such cases are rarely seen in clinical outpatient urine cultures.
If your urine test returns to normal after medication, you can stop the treatment.
Instead, focus on lifestyle changes: drink plenty of fluids, avoid spicy and irritating foods as well as alcohol, and aim for a daily 30-minute walk.
Practice safe sex.
As for the urinary pathogens, treatment does not need to be prolonged.
It would be best to follow your physician's advice and pay attention to your lifestyle; being overly anxious is not beneficial.
There is no need for further cultures.
(However, 1-2 weeks after stopping the medication, you may return to the hospital for another urine test; if it is normal, then you are good to go.)

Reply Date: 2017/03/20

More Info

Understanding Staphylococcus aureus in urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be quite complex, especially when dealing with antibiotic resistance and persistent symptoms. Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria commonly found on the skin and in the nasal passages of healthy individuals. While it can be a harmless commensal organism, it can also lead to infections, particularly when it enters the body through cuts or other breaches in the skin or mucous membranes.

1. Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Treating multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be challenging. The treatment options depend on the specific strain and its resistance profile. In many cases, healthcare providers may resort to using antibiotics that are effective against MRSA, such as vancomycin, linezolid, or daptomycin. However, the choice of antibiotic should be guided by sensitivity testing, which indicates which antibiotics the bacteria are susceptible to. If you have been diagnosed with MRSA, it is crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan tailored to your situation.

2. Symptoms Related to Staphylococcus aureus Infection: The symptoms you are experiencing, such as urethral pain, a sensation of foreign body presence, and glans redness, could potentially be linked to a Staphylococcus aureus infection. However, these symptoms can also arise from other conditions, including non-infectious causes like irritation or inflammation. It is essential to consider that the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in urine does not always correlate with an active infection, particularly if it is a low-level colonization rather than a true pathogen causing disease. A thorough clinical evaluation, including a detailed history and physical examination, is necessary to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

3. Perception of Staphylococcus aureus in Clinical Settings: Many healthcare providers may regard the detection of Staphylococcus aureus in urine as less significant, especially if the patient does not exhibit typical signs of a urinary tract infection (such as fever, flank pain, or significant urinary symptoms). This perspective is often based on the understanding that Staphylococcus aureus can be a part of the normal flora and may not always indicate an active infection. Additionally, the presence of this bacterium in urine could be due to contamination during the sample collection process. Therefore, it is essential to interpret the results in the context of clinical symptoms and other laboratory findings.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing persistent symptoms despite antibiotic treatment, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further testing, such as imaging studies or a referral to a specialist, to explore other potential causes of your symptoms. Additionally, maintaining open communication with your healthcare team about your concerns and treatment progress is vital for effective management of your condition.

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