Staphylococcus haemolyticus epididymo-orchitis and bacteraemia: a case report

Abstract

Introduction. Although more often recognized as a culprit in female urinary tract infection, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) can cause severe genitourinary infections in men. While positive blood cultures with CoNS are usually thought to be contaminants, in the setting of a severe genito-urinary infection they can represent true infection. Case presentation. We present the case of a 70-year-old male without a central venous catheter or urinary catheter who developed Staphylococcus haemolyticus bloodstream infection secondary to epididymo-orchitis. Conclusion. This case highlights the importance of prompt recognition of serious CoNS infections, including bacteraemia, in the setting of CoNS genitourinary tract infections.