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Published on: July 1, 2018
Streptococcus suis infection: a prospective study in northern Thailand
A Fongcom1, S Pruksakorn, P Netsirisawan
1Department of Medicine, Lamphun Provincial Hospital, Lamphun Thailand. afongkhum@yahoo.com
Abstract:
A prospective study of all cases of Streptococcus suis blood or CSF culture positive admitted to Lamphun Provincial Hospital in northern Thailand was carried out. Fifty-three cases of S. suis were identified, which comprised 70% of all viridans streptococci cases. The majority of cases (88.6%) were contracted orally and 83.0% had an underlying disease present. Five clinical syndromes were identified: acute meningitis (37.2%), septicemia (27.9%), toxic shock syndrome (TSS) (23.3%), subacute bacterial endocarditis(SBE) (9.3%) and spondylitis (2.3%). The patients with TSS had a lower mean age than those without TSS. S. suis IgG and IgM antibody levels in the TSS group were lower than those without TSS which is important when considering the clinical syndrome and severity of the infection.
Insights
Streptococcus suis infections are common in northern Thailand, often acquired orally and linked to underlying conditions. Toxic shock syndrome cases showed lower antibody levels and younger age.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Streptococcus suis is a significant cause of bacterial infections in humans, particularly in Southeast Asia.
- Viridans streptococci, including S. suis, are increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens.
- Understanding the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of S. suis is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of Streptococcus suis infections in Lamphun Provincial Hospital, Thailand.
- To identify common clinical syndromes associated with S. suis bacteremia and cerebrospinal fluid infections.
- To explore potential differences in antibody levels and patient demographics between different clinical presentations, such as toxic shock syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Inclusion of all blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture-positive Streptococcus suis cases admitted to Lamphun Provincial Hospital.
- Identification of clinical syndromes, patient demographics, and measurement of S. suis IgG and IgM antibody levels.
Main Results:
- Fifty-three cases of S. suis were identified, representing 70% of all viridans streptococci cases.
- The majority of infections (88.6%) were acquired orally, and 83.0% of patients had underlying diseases.
- Five main clinical syndromes were observed: acute meningitis (37.2%), septicemia (27.9%), toxic shock syndrome (TSS) (23.3%), subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE) (9.3%), and spondylitis (2.3%).
- Patients with TSS were younger and had lower S. suis IgG and IgM antibody levels compared to non-TSS patients.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcus suis is a prevalent pathogen in northern Thailand, associated with significant morbidity.
- Oral transmission and underlying diseases are key risk factors for S. suis infection.
- Clinical presentation varies, with TSS being a notable syndrome characterized by younger age and lower antibody response, impacting infection severity.
