Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
09:57
Development and Validation of a Quantitative PCR Method for Equid Herpesvirus-2 Diagnostics in Respiratory Fluids
Published on: March 17, 2016
Second reported case of human infection with Streptococcus equi subsp. ruminatorum
Alain Meyer1, Laurent Messer, Dominique De Briel
1Service de Rhumatologie, CHU Hautepierre, 1, avenue Molière, 67200 Strasbourg, France.
Joint Bone Spine
|January 29, 2011
Summary
This study reports a rare human infection caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. ruminatorum, a bacterium typically found in horses. The findings highlight potential skin transmission and the importance of molecular diagnostics for zoonotic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Streptococcus equi subsp. ruminatorum, a group C Streptococcus, was first identified in 2004.
- Human infections are rare, with the first case reported in 2007.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old man presented with spondylodiscitis and endocarditis.
- Blood cultures identified Streptococcus equi subsp. ruminatorum.
- The patient had close contact with horses exhibiting respiratory symptoms.
Findings:
- This case confirms Streptococcus equi subsp. ruminatorum as a cause of human disease.
- Skin contamination is a potential, previously undescribed, transmission route.
- Successful antibiotic treatment was achieved.
Implications:
- Highlights the zoonotic potential of Streptococcus equi subsp. ruminatorum.
- Suggests routine use of molecular tests for suspected zoonotic group C Streptococcus infections.
- Underscores the need for vigilance in diagnosing rare zoonotic diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
01:23Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...