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Meningitis caused by Streptococcus suis: case report and review of the literature

Seong-Min Choi1, Bang-Hoon Cho, Kang-Ho Choi

  • 1Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.

Journal of Clinical Neurology (Seoul, Korea)
|April 24, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) infection can cause meningitis and hearing loss in humans. Early recognition of S. suis meningitis is crucial, especially with prominent hearing impairment, as seen in this Korean case.

Area of Science:

  • Zoonotic infections
  • Clinical microbiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a zoonotic pathogen causing human infections, primarily in regions with pig farming and pork consumption.
  • Meningitis is the most frequent clinical presentation of S. suis infection, often leading to permanent deafness and vestibular dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first documented human case of Streptococcus suis infection in Korea.
  • To highlight the clinical features and management of S. suis meningitis.

Main Methods:

  • A case study of a 57-year-old male patient presenting with meningitis symptoms.
  • Isolation of S. suis from cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Treatment with antibiotics and monitoring for complications like spondylodiscitis.

Main Results:

  • The patient was diagnosed with S. suis meningitis and subsequently developed spondylodiscitis.
  • Successful treatment of spondylodiscitis with an extended antibiotic course.
  • Irreversible hearing loss persisted despite clinical improvement in other symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • This case represents the first human Streptococcus suis infection identified in Korea.
  • Clinicians should consider S. suis in meningitis patients exhibiting early and significant hearing loss.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are essential for managing S. suis infections, though hearing deficits may be permanent.
Keywords:
Streptococcus suishearing impairmentmeningitisspondylodiscitis

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