Staphylococcus Intermedius: Current Knowledge on a Pathogen of Veterinary Importance*

It has been 16 years since the identification of S. intermedius as a new species. Numerous investigations using cell wall and DNA analytic methods have now clearly demonstrated significant differences to warrant the creation of this new species. However, studies investigating virulence factors associated with S. intermedius have not uncovered evidence that differentiates virulent from non-virulent isolates. Therefore, at the present time, it is difficult for veterinary clinicians and microbiologists to determine the clinical significance of many S. intermedius isolates. Host-bacterial interactions and the hosts' immune status appear to be the factors most crucial in determining the outcome of infections, not the virulence of the organism. Continued research in the virulence factor field will hopefully lead to a better understanding on how we can differentiate virulent from nonvirulent isolates of S. intermedius.