Pseudintermedius

Pseudintermedius refers to a type of bacterial species commonly found on the skin and in the nasal passages of warm-blooded animals, including humans. It is a Gram-positive, coagulase-negative staphylococcus. This means it appears purple when stained with Gram's stain and does not produce the enzyme coagulase, which is a characteristic used to differentiate it from more pathogenic staphylococci like Staphylococcus aureus.

While often considered a commensal organism, meaning it lives in harmony with its host without causing harm, pseudintermedius can, under certain circumstances, become an opportunistic pathogen. This typically occurs when the host's immune system is compromised or when there are breaches in the skin barrier. In veterinary medicine, it is a significant cause of pyoderma, a bacterial skin infection, particularly in dogs. These infections can manifest as redness, itching, pustules, and hair loss.

Treatment for pseudintermedius infections usually involves antibiotics. However, there has been a rising concern regarding antibiotic resistance in this species, making treatment more challenging. Prevention strategies often focus on maintaining good hygiene and prompt wound care to minimize the risk of infection. Research continues to explore the complex relationship between pseudintermedius and its hosts, as well as to develop more effective treatment and control measures for resistant strains.