Streptococcus suis: an emerging human pathogen

Clin Infect Dis. 2009 Mar 1;48(5):617-25. doi: 10.1086/596763.

Abstract

Streptococcus suis infection is acquired through exposure to contaminated pigs or pig meat. Over the past few years, the number of reported S. suis infections in humans has increased significantly, with most cases originating in Southeast Asia, where there is a high density of pigs. Increased awareness, improved diagnostics, and the occurrence of outbreaks have contributed to this increase. Meningitis and sepsis are the most common clinical manifestations of S. suis infection; hearing loss is a frequent complication. In this article, we provide an overview of the emergence and clinical manifestations of S. suis infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Asia, Southeastern / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Hearing Loss
  • Humans
  • Meningitis / epidemiology
  • Meningitis / microbiology
  • Sepsis / epidemiology
  • Sepsis / microbiology
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications
  • Streptococcal Infections / epidemiology*
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology*
  • Streptococcus suis / isolation & purification*
  • Swine
  • Swine Diseases / microbiology
  • Swine Diseases / transmission*
  • Zoonoses / epidemiology*
  • Zoonoses / microbiology*