Human cases of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius with probable transmission between companion animals to humans in Saskatchewan

A zoonosis is an infectious disease transmitted to humans from animals. These diseases spread a variety of ways including through direct or indirect contact, vectors, or through foodborne or waterborne sources. Humans and animals have existed in close proximity for thousands of years, but within the last century, the relationship has changed from utilitarian to companionship. Particularly, humans rely on companion animals, specifically dogs, and occasionally cats, for physical, social or emotional support. Humans live in close proximity to their pets, providing multiple opportunities for the pathogen to be transmitted from animal to human. Pets live in our homes. This relationship change is not without increased risk, and as such, pathogen exchange is inevitable. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a well - known commensal organism of dogs, and occasionally other animals, but also a canine opportunistic pathogen. Since 2006, S. pseudintermedius have been increasingly recovered from invasive/superficial infections in humans. It remains unclear if this is due to technological advancements in clinical microbiology, increased pathogenicity for humans or close proximity of humans and animals living together. Reports of this organism being recovered from specimens from humans might suggest an increased prevalence in human infections and/or improved diagnostics leading to more accurate identification. Its increasing presence in humans questions the relatedness between organisms collected from both human and their animal companion (s). Diligence by laboratories in correctly isolating and identifying this pathogen is essential for optimal patient care. We present a collection of human cases of S. pseudintermedius infections including evidence of transmission of S. pseudintermedius strains from family pets to their owners. We present evidence of transmission in these cases through antimicrobial susceptibility/resistance profiles and pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius infections were identified by either MALDI – TOF MS or Vitek II. Susceptibility testing was manually completed via microbroth dilution methods according to CLSI guidelines. No infections resulted in patient death. Accurately identifying S. pseudintermedius infections is important for proper patient care, especially if patients have underlying medical conditions. Health care providers may then educate patients on proper interactions with animals, including proper hand washing to prevent further transmission of potential infections.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health Sciences

Grantor

University of Saskatchewan

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Blondeau, Leah D

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Hamula, Camille L
• Deneer, Harry

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Sanche, Stephen E
• Rubin, Joseph E
• Kanthan, Rani

• Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
• zoonosis
• pathogen
• opportunistic infection
• companion animals
• human infection
• one health

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10388/15506

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:harvest.usask.ca:10388/15506