Staphylococcus saprophyticus can be differentiated from Staphylococcus epidermidis by its resistance to which antibiotic?

Staphylococcus saprophyticus is characterized by its resistance to novobiocin, which is an important distinguishing factor from Staphylococcus epidermidis. The ability of Staphylococcus saprophyticus to grow in the presence of novobiocin is utilized in clinical laboratories for identification purposes.

In contrast, Staphylococcus epidermidis is generally sensitive to novobiocin and would be inhibited by it. This differential resistance is significant because it helps microbiologists and healthcare professionals quickly identify and differentiate between these two species, which have differing clinical implications. Staphylococcus saprophyticus is often associated with urinary tract infections, particularly in young women, whereas Staphylococcus epidermidis is more commonly linked to opportunistic infections related to implanted medical devices.

Other antibiotics listed, such as lysostaphin, penicillin, and bacitracin, do not provide the same level of differentiation between these two species, as their susceptibility profiles can overlap or are not utilized for identification in the same manner. Therefore, the resistance to novobiocin is a critical marker for distinguishing Staphylococcus saprophyticus from Staphylococcus epidermidis.