Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a bacterium found on dog skin. This bacterium is also the leading cause of skin infection in dogs and can be transmitted to humans. S. pseudintermedius produces several toxins, including phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs), but the roles of these toxins in dogs with skin infections are unknown. S. pseudintermedius is similar to a bacterium named S. aureus, which is the major cause of skin infections in humans. PSMs in S. aureus aggravate infection by inducing death of red and white blood cells in humans.

The goal of this study is to investigate whether S. pseudintermedius PSMs play a role in skin infection in dogs by destroying host cells and promoting inflammation. The researchers will study if these toxins
induce an antibody response in dogs with skin infections. Successful completion of this study will provide a foundation for developing novel therapeutics for preventing S. pseudintermedius infection in dogs.