Molecular Characterizations of the Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Species Causing Urinary Tract Infection in Tanzania

This study investigated the contribution of the Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) as potential pathogens of urinary tract infections (UTI) in Tanzania. Out of 65 CoNS, Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were prevalent with untypeable sequence types. Most isolates exhibited antimicrobial resistance genes, particularly dfrG, blaZ, and mecA, conferring resistance to trimethoprim, penicillin, and methicillin respectively. Virulence genes, such as icaC, were found in 90.8% of the isolates. The study underscores the need for cautious interpretation of CoNS in urine cultures as contaminants or potential UTI pathogens. Further research on patient outcomes post-treatment is recommended to add more evidence regarding CoNS as potential UTI pathogens. Isolates were sequenced and genotyped for AMR and virulence by the Fleming Fund SeqAfrica project, a UK Aid funded initiative to strengthen AMR surveillance in Africa.