Molecular phylogenetic evidence for noninvasive zoonotic transmission of Staphylococcus intermedius from a canine pet to a human.
rRNA-based molecular phylogenetic techniques were used to identify the bacterial species present in the ear fluid from a female patient with otitis externa. We report the identification of Staphylococcus intermedius from the patient and a possible route of transmission. Analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms indicated that the dominant species present was S. intermedius. A pet dog owned by the patient also was tested and found to harbor S. intermedius. In humans, the disease is rare and considered a zoonosis. Previously, S. intermedius has been associated with dog bite wounds, catheter-related injuries, and surgery. This study represents the first reported case of a noninvasive infection with S. intermedius.
Tanner
M A
MA
Kairos Scientific Inc., Santa Clara, California 95054, USA. mtanner@kairos-scientific.com
Everett
C L
CL
Youvan
D C
DC
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010032:Otitis Externa / Q000382:microbiology*; D010802:Phylogeny; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / Q000235:genetics; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission* / Q000662:veterinary; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015047:Zoonoses
D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S