Staphylococcus delphini, a coagulase positive species originally isolated from dolphins, is a member of the Staphylococcus Intermedius Group (SIG). It exhibits notable pathogenicity and is one of only three Staphylococcal bacteria internalised intracellularly in nonprofessional phagocytic cells.
This presentation talks about its natural hosts and reservoirs, virulence factors, and possible multidrug-resistant (MDR) gene acquisition. We discuss challenges in identifying S. delphini, including limitations in current diagnostic approaches. Furthermore, we examine the impact of environmental changes, such as land clearing and climate change, on the increased risk of zoonotic transmission.
Included is a short case study – the first known reported human case of S. delphini infection in Australia.