Staphylococcus intermedius and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius are difficult to distinguish using conventional microbiological methods. Molecular diagnostic tools change our understanding of the epidemiology of these 2 organisms. In this study, we present (1) a detailed review of the current literature on molecular diagnostics and (2) a case series in which misidentification was proven in 1 case. We conclude that S pseudintermedius is a more common human pathogen than previously recognized.
Keywords: Staphylococcus intermedius; Staphylococcus pseudintermedius; molecular diagnostics; skin and soft tissue infections; zoonotic infection.