[SPECIFIC FEATURES OF ECOLOGY, PATHOGENIC PROPERTIES, AND ROLE OF THE STAPHYLOCOCCUS INTERMEDIUS GROUP MEMBERS IN...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Bacteriology
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• The genus Staphylococcus includes pathogenic species, notably coagulase-positive staphylococci.
• The coagulase-positive cluster comprises Staphylococcus aureus and six other species, including the Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG).
• SIG species (S. intermedius, S. pseudintermedius, S. delphini) are zoonotic, hosted by mammals and birds in close proximity to humans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review changes in Staphylococcus nomenclature, focusing on coagulase-positive species.
• To analyze the virulence factors and pathogenicity of SIG species in animals and humans.
• To examine challenges in species identification, ecology, epidemiology, and antimicrobial resistance of SIG.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on Staphylococcus nomenclature and pathogenicity.
• Analysis of data on virulence factors, host specificity, and zoonotic potential of SIG species.
• Review of antimicrobial resistance patterns and epidemiological data.

Main Results:

• The coagulase-positive staphylococci cluster includes S. aureus and six other species, with a focus on the SIG.
• SIG species exhibit significant host overlap with humans, posing zoonotic risks.
• Difficulties in species identification, variable antimicrobial resistance, and distinct epidemiological features were noted.

Conclusions:

• Accurate identification and understanding of SIG species are crucial due to their zoonotic potential.
• Staphylococcus pseudintermedius shows high similarity to S. aureus and is considered an emerging pathogen.
• Further research into SIG ecology, epidemiology, and antimicrobial resistance is warranted for effective One Health strategies.