Production of 'virulence factors' byStaphylococcus intermediusisolates from cases of canine pyoderma and healthy carriers

Abstract

Staphylococcus intermedius isolates from healthy dogs and dogs with pyoderma were compared for their ability to produce a range of potential virulence factors. All the isolates were coagulase positive with canine plasma. Haemolysin production, examined using solid and liquid media, demonstrated that 100 per cent and 95 per cent of isolates were beta and delta lysin positive respectively. Enterotoxin C production was a characteristic of 15 per cent of the isolates. None of the isolates produced toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 or epidermolytic toxins. Protease activity was demonstrated by 90 per cent of the isolates. No clear differences in the toxin profiles between the two groups of isolates were demonstrated.