Assessing Domestic Dogs as Potential Carriers of Group A Streptococcus for Zoonotic Transmission Risk to Humans
Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
6-5-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
6-5-2025 4:00 PM
Description
Introduction
While 2012 IDSA guidelines do not recommend canine testing for GAS pharyngitis, some anecdotal evidence suggests a potential zoonotic link between dogs and humans. One Health, an organization analyzing zoonotic diseases, largely lacks data pertaining to streptococcus, thus prompting this research which aims to update IDSA guidelines and analyze whether household canines are possible vectors of GAS pharyngitis.
Methods
Through an observational cross-sectional study, single-sample clustering was used to swab the oropharynx of domestic canines for GAS. Results were recorded as positive, negative, or invalid for GAS. An additional survey collected data from the owner on dog breeds, symptoms, socialization habits, and history of strep throat in household members. The prevalence of GAS colonization among the canine population was analyzed using chi-square testing, and survey responses were reviewed.
Results
The study analyzed 201 canines, resulting in negative GAS swabs for all 201 samples. Of these, 85.1% of dogs had no obvious respiratory symptoms, and 95% were considered as “indoor” pets. Seven pet owners endorsed contracting one or more episodes of GAS pharyngitis after acquiring their dog without a history of prior occurrence. This trend seemed to be a more common complaint among pet owners of “outdoor” dogs or those with increased interaction with other canines.
Conclusion
A chi-square test was not conducted due to the absence of positive results, thus suggesting that dogs in the studied population were unlikely to serve as reservoirs for GAS pharyngitis in humans. However, descriptive and frequency data collected from the owners’ survey illuminate other areas in which to focus future investigations. Further research should include refined sampling techniques, such as identifying patients with recurrent GAS pharyngitis and screening their entire household for GAS colonization, including all pets.
Embargo Period
5-19-2025
Assessing Domestic Dogs as Potential Carriers of Group A Streptococcus for Zoonotic Transmission Risk to Humans
Suwanee, GA
Introduction
While 2012 IDSA guidelines do not recommend canine testing for GAS pharyngitis, some anecdotal evidence suggests a potential zoonotic link between dogs and humans. One Health, an organization analyzing zoonotic diseases, largely lacks data pertaining to streptococcus, thus prompting this research which aims to update IDSA guidelines and analyze whether household canines are possible vectors of GAS pharyngitis.
Methods
Through an observational cross-sectional study, single-sample clustering was used to swab the oropharynx of domestic canines for GAS. Results were recorded as positive, negative, or invalid for GAS. An additional survey collected data from the owner on dog breeds, symptoms, socialization habits, and history of strep throat in household members. The prevalence of GAS colonization among the canine population was analyzed using chi-square testing, and survey responses were reviewed.
Results
The study analyzed 201 canines, resulting in negative GAS swabs for all 201 samples. Of these, 85.1% of dogs had no obvious respiratory symptoms, and 95% were considered as “indoor” pets. Seven pet owners endorsed contracting one or more episodes of GAS pharyngitis after acquiring their dog without a history of prior occurrence. This trend seemed to be a more common complaint among pet owners of “outdoor” dogs or those with increased interaction with other canines.
Conclusion
A chi-square test was not conducted due to the absence of positive results, thus suggesting that dogs in the studied population were unlikely to serve as reservoirs for GAS pharyngitis in humans. However, descriptive and frequency data collected from the owners’ survey illuminate other areas in which to focus future investigations. Further research should include refined sampling techniques, such as identifying patients with recurrent GAS pharyngitis and screening their entire household for GAS colonization, including all pets.
Comments
Presented by Rudolph Hanzel