Molecular Phylogenetic Evidence for Noninvasive Zoonotic Transmission ofStaphylococcus intermediusfrom a Canine Pet to a Human

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Abstract
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 ofStaphylococcus intermediusfrom the patient and a possible route of transmission. Analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms indicated that the dominant species present wasS. intermedius. A pet dog owned by the patient also was tested and found to harborS. intermedius. In humans, the disease is rare and considered a zoonosis. Previously,S. intermediushas been associated with dog bite wounds, catheter-related injuries, and surgery. This study represents the first reported case of a noninvasive infection withS. intermedius.