Outbreak of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus infections in cats

Abstract

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) is a commensal of the mucous membranes and skin of animals, notably equine, and is associated with various infections in animals and humans. Here, we describe an outbreak of respiratory disease in a cattery, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first report of S. zooepidemicus infection in cats. Clinical disease was characterized firstly by abundant purulent nasal discharges and cough, progressing to sinusitis, dyspnea, symptoms of pneumonia and death. Pathological examination revealed different degrees of inflammation of the lower respiratory tract. S. zooepidemicus was the main bacteria isolated. Sequencing of the V2 fragment of the 16S gene revealed that the isolates were distributed in two previously described genogroups.

Transmission ofStreptococcus equiSubspecieszooepidemicusInfection from Horses to Humans

“…S. zooepidemicus is considered an opportunistic commensal in horses ( 1 – 3 ), but it may also cause infections in other domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, and cats ( 4 – 10 ). Another subspecies of the same genus, Streptococcus equi subsp.…”

Highly pathogenic beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections in cats from an institutionalized hoarding facility and a multi-species comparison

“…30 Another recent shelter outbreak in Israel documented cats with rhinitis associated with copious purulent nasal discharge and severe, acute and diffuse bronchopneumonia that was suppurative or necrosuppurative, as well as four cats with pyogranulomatous meningoencephalitis. 31 S zooepidemicus was isolated from the lungs of all of these cats and was either the only organism cultured or the dominant organism in mixed culture. This report illustrates highly pathogenic and pyogenic BHS infections in a large number of cats rescued from an institutionalized hoarding facility (IHF), with a unique combination of clinical signs that were not previously described in any single facility.…”

Streptococcal infections in cats

“…1 S equi subspecies zooepidemicus has been recognised as an emerging pathogen in dogs, and also recently in cats. 2,3 Streptococcus canis S canis is a beta-haemolytic Lancefield group G gram-positive bacterium that is considered part of the commensal mucosal microflora of the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract, genital organs and perianal region in cats. S canis infection seems to be sporadic in single-cat households, especially in older cats.…”