Staphylococcus intermedius is not only a zoonotic pathogen, but may also cause skin abscesses in humans after exposure to saliva

This case illustrates for the first time that S. intermedius can cause skin abscesses in humans after direct inoculation of this pathogen into the skin and soft tissues. Clinicians should be aware of the fact that although the vast majority of infections from coagulase-positive Staphylococcus infections are secondary to Staphylococcus aureus, S. intermedius is also a potential pathogen in humans.