Molecular Phylogenetic Evidence for Noninvasive
Zoonotic Transmission of Staphylococcus intermedius from a Canine Pet to a Human
Tanner M.A., Everett C.L., Youvan D.C.
Kairos Scientific Inc., Santa Clara, California 95054, USA.
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 Staphylococcusintermedius 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.