Once a Known Veterinary Pathogen, Now a Forgotten Zoonosis. Case Report of An Invasive Staphylococcus intermedius Group Infection

Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG), a known veterinary pathogen with the potential for zoonotic human infections, comprises S. intermedius, S. pseudointermedius, and S. delphini, which are not easily distinguishable. Without the proper equipment and procedures, it cannot be distinguished from Staphylococcus aureus (SAu), which causes underestimation of its true incidence.

A 52-year-old male with diabetes presented with complaints of fever and malaise. He developed respiratory failure and altered mental status; hence, intensive care was provided to him. Blood cultures and bronchoalveolar lavage culture developed methicillin-resistant SIG. Despite rapid adjustment of empiric antibiotic therapy, he died of multiple organ failure.

Incorporating knowledge about this new pathogen and its aggressiveness into daily clinical practice can, through a high index of suspicion and detailed anamnesis, reduce misdiagnoses.