Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
06:06
Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43
Published on: September 11, 2020
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus meningitis in Peru
Nicanor Mori1, Jose M Guevara2, Drake H Tilley1
1Bacteriology Department, US Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Lima, Peru.
Journal of Medical Microbiology
|October 30, 2012
Summary
A man developed Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus meningitis after consuming unpasteurized goat cheese. This case highlights a potential zoonotic transmission route for this rare but serious bacterial infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Zoonotic Infections
Background:
- Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus is a bacterium that can cause infections in animals and, rarely, humans.
- Meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old man presented with fever, unsteadiness, hemiparesis, motor aphasia, and consciousness disturbance.
- The patient reported consuming unpasteurized goat cheese from an unknown source.
- He denied direct contact with farm animals.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus meningitis.
- This suggests a potential link between consuming contaminated dairy products and developing this rare form of meningitis.
Implications:
- Highlights unpasteurized dairy products as a potential risk factor for zoonotic transmission of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus.
- Underscores the importance of considering rare bacterial pathogens in cases of meningitis with neurological symptoms.
- Emphasizes public health awareness regarding the risks associated with consuming raw milk products.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:30Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes
Spirochetes, unique bacteria in the phylum Spirochaetes, are gram-negative, motile, tightly coiled, slender, and flexible. They inhabit aquatic sediments and animals, with some causing diseases like syphilis. Spirochetes are classified into eight genera based on habitat, pathogenicity, phylogeny, and characteristics.Their distinctive motility arises from endoflagella, located within the cell’s periplasm. These endoflagella anchor at the cell poles and extend along the cell length, encased by a...
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...