Streptococcus Equi: A rare cause of cellulitis and bacteremia in human

Streptococcus equi species is known to cause diseases in horses and other animals. This species, however, is a rare human pathogen and transmission usually occurs via direct interaction with horses or other domestic animal or unpasteurized dairy consumption. Reports of S. equi infections in human are relatively rare in the United States compared to the higher incidences in Europe. However, more and more cases of S. equi have been reported in the US as equine activities are gaining popularity. Whereas Streptococcus equi can involve any organ system, cellulitis caused by Streptococcus equi is hardly ever reported. As skin and soft tissue infection by Streptococcus equi is so rare and can pose fatal outcomes, it is imperative to keep this rare pathogen as a microbiologic differential of skin and soft tissue infection. We present a case of Streptococcus equi cellulitis and bacteremia in a patient with horse exposure. Considering how popular equine sports are becoming, Streptococcus equi infections are probably more widespread than we realize.