GROUP A STREPTOCOCCUS IN HOUSEHOLD DOGS: ZOONOTIC RISK ASSESSMENT AND CASE-BASED INSIGHTS

This study aimed to determine whether domestic dogs might act as reservoirs for recurrent Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis in humans. Interest arose from a pediatric case in which an 8-year-old with repeated GAS infections recovered only after the familys asymptomatic dog was treated. This prompted an observational cross-sectional investigation involving 201 household dogs to assess potential canine GAS carriage. Dogs were enrolled from veterinary clinics, dog parks, and daycare facilities across Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Ohio. Each dog underwent oropharyngeal swabbing analyzed with GAS-specific rapid antigen tests, and owners completed questionnaires about household infection history, demographics, and social exposure. Chi-square analysis was planned. All canine samples tested negative for GAS. Although several owners reported recurrent human infections, no evidence of canine colonization was identified. These findings underscore the need for improved diagnostics and additional pediatric-focused research to clarify any zoonotic role in recurrent GAS pharyngitis.