Staphylococcus Pseudintermedius: A Bacteria On The Rise

Bacteria are grossly categorized into gram positive and gram negative based on certain cellular characteristics.

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A common commensal of the gram positive group is the Staphylococcus genus. Present in all bodily systems, predominantly the skin, these are part of the normal flora of living beings. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (SP) is one such commensal of dogs, found in the nares, perioral, perianal and inguinal regions. It has been reported across the globe from 61.4% in Norway 1to 59% in India2. It has been recently reclassified as part of Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) of organisms. SP has been identified in pyoderma, otitis, surgical Staphylococcus pseudintermedius: A bacteria on the rise wounds and urogenital tract infections. The commensal nature, causes flaring up of secondary infections especially in immune-compromised cases like demodicosis. It has been reported in skin affections in a wide range of animals like horses, cattle, dogs, cats, rats, swine and certain wild animals. The main highlight is its identification in the human host. In man, it has been reported in healthy individuals working closely with animals, like veterinarians, health care professionals, companion animal owners. It has also been known to cause nosocomial infections due to urine catheters and surgical wounds. The spread of SP to man is suspected to be ofzoonotic origin, although the hazardous potential of the pathogen remains unexplored. Another prime reason this bacteria is of importance is due to the presence of methicillin resistant strains, that is MRSP. Su