Sharing a microbe with man’s best friend: A case of canine streptococcal infection in a diabetic patient
- Author:
Brian M K Cheong
;
Ai Y’ng Lim
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- Keywords:
Streptococcus canis;
dogs;
diabetes mellitus;
infected wound
- MeSH:
Diabetes Complications;
Diabetes Mellitus
- From:
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
2015;70(5):318-319
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
We report a case of a diabetic patient with an infected leg
wound leading to septicemia and abscess formation in the
contra-lateral leg due to Streptococcus canis. This organism
belongs to the Lancefield group G and is more commonly
found in dogs. It is often mistaken for Streptococcus
dysgalactiae which is a human strain of streptococci.
Infections in humans are not common and usually involve
infected wounds or ulcers and the surrounding soft tissue.
In most reported cases, patients had close contact with
domestic dogs and a pre-existing wound as a portal of entry.
Our patient recovered after surgical debridement and
drainage of abscess together with antibiotics. This organism
is sensitive to common antibiotics like penicillin,
amoxycillin, cephalosporins and erythromycin. The
incidence of infections due to Streptococcus canis may be
under-reported as laboratories may just report an isolate as
group G streptococcus. Susceptible patients with wounds or
ulcers should be counselled on proper wound care and
advised to avoid or minimise contact with the family dog.
- Full text:P020151109572254447458.pdf
