Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in dogs

Abstract

3 dogs with streptococcal shock without necrotizing fasciitis died or were euthanatized within 48 hours of admission, whereas 4 dogs with streptococcal shock and necrotizing fasciitis survived following surgical debridement, supportive medical treatment, and treatment with antibiotics. Of the 6 Lancefield group G streptococcal isolates available for characterization, 5 were Streptococcus canis and 1 had characteristics of group G streptococcal strains of human origin. Results of molecular typing indicated that isolates were unrelated to each other. Examination of the canine isolates for putative virulence genes found in human group A streptococci resulted in identification of the emm1.0 gene only in 1 of the isolates. The canine isolates otherwise lacked virulence genes associated with human group A streptococcal toxic shock infections. CLINICAL-IMPLICATIONS: The development of severe invasive infection in dogs resulting from GGS indicates that a virulent form of GGS has developed in southern Ontario.