Streptococcus suis Meningitis: Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation and Treatment

• Published in: Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.) Vol. 19; no. 8; p. 557
• Main Authors: Hlebowicz, Maria, Jakubowski, Paweł, Smiatacz, Tomasz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.08.2019
• Subjects: diagnostics; occupational disease; therapy; meningitis
• ISSN: 1557-7759
• DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2399

, a prevalent porcine pathogen, may sporadically cause infections in humans, and has recently emerged as a cause of zoonoses in some professionals. The aim of this article was to review available data on epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, and management of the most common form of infection, purulent meningitis. Literature data show that is an important etiological factor of purulent meningitis, especially in subjects being occupationally exposed to contact with pigs and/or pork meat. Owing to growing incidence of meningitis, a history of such exposure should be verified in each patient presenting with typical meningeal symptoms. Whenever was confirmed as the etiological factor of purulent meningitis, therapeutic protocol should be adjusted appropriately, to avoid patient's exposure to potentially ototoxic antimicrobial agents and corticosteroids. Considering the biphasic character of meningitis and its frequently atypical outcome, all individuals with this condition should be optimally supervised by a multidisciplinary team, including an ENT specialist.