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Bacterium

Staphylococcus saprophyticus

Coagulase-negative, novobiocin-resistant clue

STAFF-ih-lo-KOK-us sap-roh-FIT-ih-kus

Gram positivebacteriagram-positivecoccistaphcoagulase-negativenovobiocin

High-yield clue

Coagulase-negative staph + novobiocin resistance is the classic contrast clue.

Overview

A coagulase-negative staphylococcus used in coursework to contrast novobiocin resistance with S. epidermidis.

Classification

  • Gram-positive
  • Cocci
  • Clusters
  • Coagulase-negative staphylococcus

Lab & identification clues

  • Catalase positive
  • Coagulase negative
  • Novobiocin-resistant teaching distinction

Associations

  • Urinary tract coursework association
  • Staph comparison drills
  • Normal flora contrast

Commonly confused with

  • Staphylococcus epidermidis
  • Staphylococcus aureus

Frequently asked questions

What is Staphylococcus saprophyticus?

A coagulase-negative staphylococcus used in coursework to contrast novobiocin resistance with S. epidermidis.

What is the Gram stain of Staphylococcus saprophyticus?

Staphylococcus saprophyticus is Gram positive.

What are the lab clues for Staphylococcus saprophyticus?

Lab clues for Staphylococcus saprophyticus include Catalase positive, Coagulase negative, and Novobiocin-resistant teaching distinction.

What is Staphylococcus saprophyticus commonly confused with?

Staphylococcus saprophyticus is commonly confused with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus.

Original student-study summary. Sources checked: OpenStax Microbiology 2e, NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology, and CDC topic pages where applicable; reviewed 2026-06. Educational only; no diagnosis, treatment, dosing, or specimen-handling guidance.

OpenStax: Microbiology 2e organism classification foundations - sourceNCBI Bookshelf: Medical Microbiology organism chapters - sourceCDC: CDC disease and public-health topic pages - source