Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterial cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are the second most common bacterial infection in humans and can be caused by a variety of bacteria.
S. aureus is one of the most common culprits responsible for UTIs, and understanding how and why this bacteria can cause urinary tract infections is important for preventing and treating them.
What causes Staphylococcus aureus in urine?
Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found on human skin and in the nose, and it can cause infections in various areas of the body, including the urinary tract.
The presence of S. aureus in the urine usually indicates a urinary tract infection (UTI). When bacteria, such as S. aureus, enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply, UTIs can occur.
Staphylococcus aureus in the urine could also be a result of a Staph. aureus infection somewhere else in the human body.
Endocarditis and bacteremia are great instances of the presence of S. aureus in the urine.
Before delving further into the possibilities of Staphylococcus aureus causing urinary tract infections, there’s a need for you to know a little about urinary tract catheterization because it’s the lead cause of Staphylococcus in urine.
Urinary Tract Catheterization
Rubber, plastic, and silicone are catheters used as tubes to collect urine from the bladder. And this is often done to empty the bladder when the natural system is failing or has failed.
Consequentially, the inability to let go of this waste from the bladder can lead to kidney failure due to the rise of pressure in the kidney.
Now, this is our area of interest; the presence of bacteria especially Staphylococcus aureus in urine is usually due to urinary tract catheterization.
And urinary tract catheterization is the leading cause of urinary tract infections.
And the major strain found is the MSRA.
Urinary Tract Infections
The treatment of Staphylococcus aureus in urine is not possible without understanding urinary tract infections.
A urinary tract consists of the lower part (ureters and urethra) and the upper part (kidneys and bladders). UTI is a result of the infection of any part of the urinary tract by bacteria.
Types of UTIs
- Cystitis (bladder)
- Pyelonephritis (kidneys)
- Urethritis (urethra)
Is Staph in Urine Dangerous
Staph in the urine is dangerous because it posits that there may be a lead cause and if not quickly taken care of, might lead to a more severe illness or even death.
The presence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in urine is cause for concern, particularly if the strain of S. aureus is antibiotic-resistant, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).
S. aureus is a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious complications such as kidney infections or bloodstream infections.
Staphylococcal bacteremia is the presence of staphylococcus in the bloodstream and this is deadly and contagious and may provide a clue to the presence of Staph in the urine.
It is worth noting that some people with S. aureus UTIs may not have any symptoms at all. Others can experience a range of symptoms that can be similar to other UTIs. The symptoms of S. aureus UTIs may include:
Individuals with weakened immune systems or specific medical conditions may be more vulnerable to S. aureus infections in the urine.
Can Staphylococcus aureus cause urinary tract infections?
There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing a UTI caused by S. aureus. These include:
- Patients who require a urinary catheter to drain urine from the bladder are at an increased risk of developing a UTI, including infections caused by S. aureus. In a study involving 102 patients who had Staph in their urine, 82% of patients had recently had a urinary catheter inserted.
- People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, cancer, or diabetes, are more susceptible to UTIs caused by S. aureus.
- Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, including S. aureus, which can increase the risk of developing a UTI that is difficult to treat.
- Urinary tract surgery can also increase the risk of developing a UTI caused by S. aureus. In this study, UTI risk was most closely associated with the microbiome of the bladder and the presence of microbes in nearby areas also contributed to UTI risk.
- Finally, poor personal hygiene, such as not wiping from front to back after using the restroom, can also increase the risk of developing a UTI caused by S. aureus.
In the study mentioned above, 33% of patients had symptoms of a urinary tract infection at the time when S. aureus was first isolated.
13% of patients had S. aureus in their bloodstream while 86% of the S. aureus isolated from the initial urine cultures were methicillin-resistant.
Of the 71 patients who had follow-up cultures, 58% still had S. aureus present at least 2 months later.
16 patients had subsequent staphylococcal infections, occurring up to 12 months after the initial isolation of S. aureus. 8 of these infections were bacteremic, and in 5 of those cases, the S. aureus isolated from the blood matched the initial urine isolate.
Staphylococcus aureus urinary tract infection symptoms/symptoms of staph in urine
- Pain or burning sensation during urination (dysuria)
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Temperature of 38.5C
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or back (suprapubic pain)
- Flank pain
- Fever and chills
Staphylococcus aureus urinary tract infection treatment
Typical treatment for urinary tract infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) involves a course of antibiotics, which should be taken for the full duration prescribed by a healthcare provider to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria.
A number of antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat UTIs, including cefazolin, nafcillin, oxacillin, vancomycin, daptomycin, and linezolid.
Mild to moderate UTIs can often be treated with oral antibiotics, while more severe infections may require intravenous antibiotics in a hospital setting.
Pain relievers and increased fluid intake may also be recommended to alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery.
If a catheter is in place, it may need to be removed or replaced as part of the treatment process.
Practicing good hygiene and urinary tract care, such as wiping from front to back after using the toilet, staying well-hydrated, and urinating regularly, can help prevent recurrent infections.
As seen above, UTI is a major reason why Staph aureus and other bacteria might be present in your urine either as a sign of the infection or because the bacteria are leaving your system through the urine.
Therefore, the treatments of UTIs, staphylococcal bacteremia, and Staphylococcus aureus urinary tract infection will inadvertently lead to the elimination of bacteria from the urine and possibly.
Because so many strains of staph bacteria have become resistant to other traditional antibiotics, vancomycin may be needed for serious infections.
Can Staphylococcus aureus cause frequent urination?
One of the symptoms associated with urinary tract infections caused by S. aureus is frequent urination. However, frequent urination may not be a direct symptom of a UTI caused by S. aureus because frequent urination can be a symptom of other urinary tract conditions.
Is it normal to have staph in your urine?
Staphylococcus aureus is not a normal bacterium found in the urine of healthy individuals, and its presence in urine is usually a sign of infection.
Most organisms include Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and other Enterococcus species.
While it is possible for S. aureus to be present in urine without causing any symptoms, it is not considered a normal finding and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
What Next?
If you think you have Staphylococcus aureus in your urine, it is high time you see a medical professional to diagnose you and prescribe medications for you. Manandmicrobes does not provide medical advice.
And it is your responsibility to finish your medication as prescribed by your physician. Failure to treat a urinary tract infection caused by S. aureus can lead to more serious complications.