Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus Infections Associated with Guinea Pigs

Abstract

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus is a known zoonotic pathogen. In this public health investigation conducted in Virginia, USA, in 2013, we identified a probable family cluster of S. zooepidemicus cases linked epidemiologically and genetically to infected guinea pigs. S. zooepidemicus infections should be considered in patients who have severe clinical illness and report guinea pig exposure.

Keywords

• Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus
• zoonoses
• bacteria
• guinea pigs
• necrotizing fasciitis
• PFGE