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Streptococcus suis Meningitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Anusha van Samkar1, Matthijs C Brouwer1, Constance Schultsz2
1Academic Medical Center, Center of Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Department of Neurology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|October 28, 2015
Summary
Streptococcus suis meningitis, common in Southeast Asia, is linked to pig contact. While mortality is low, hearing loss is frequent, but dexamethasone may reduce this risk.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Streptococcus suis meningitis is a significant cause of illness in pig-rearing regions of Southeast Asia.
- This systematic review focuses on defining the clinical profile, risk factors, and outcomes of S. suis meningitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize data on Streptococcus suis meningitis.
- To define the clinical characteristics, predisposing factors, and outcomes of S. suis meningitis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies published between 1980 and 2015.
- Inclusion criteria: West-European languages, minimum of 5 adult patients with described clinical characteristics of S. suis meningitis.
Main Results:
- 913 patients from 24 studies (1980-2015) were analyzed.
- Fever (97%), headache (95%), and neck stiffness (93%) were common symptoms; 61% had pig/pork exposure.
- Case fatality rate was 2.9%, with hearing loss affecting 53% of patients. Dexamethasone use was associated with reduced hearing loss.
Conclusions:
- S. suis meningitis is strongly associated with contact with pigs or pork products.
- The condition has a low mortality rate but frequently results in hearing loss.
- Dexamethasone treatment shows potential in mitigating hearing loss sequelae.
