[Purulent meningitis caused by Streptococcus suis in a pig breeder]

A case of Purulent meningitis caused by Streptococcus suis type 2 is reported here. It occurred in a 58-year-old male pig breeder. A few days before presentation, the patient had experienced headache, systemic articular pain and fever (38.8 degrees C). On admission, he was stuporous and had neck stiffness and hemiparesis. Examination of cerebrospinal fluid showed purulent meningitis. The cultures identified Streptococcus suis II by PCR and specific serum. 2 months later, the patient was discharged in good clinical condition except for hearing loss. Streptococcus suis is known to be an important pathogen in the swine industry, this report is the first case of S. suis meningitis in man, in Japan.