Related Experiment Videos
Streptococcus suis type II (group R) as a cause of endophthalmitis
Abstract:
A case is reported of a patient with bilateral endophthalmitis, meningitis, sensorineural deafness, labyrinthitis, and septicaemia due to Streptococcus suis type II (group R). The organism is known to produce epidemic meningitis, septicaemia, and purulent arthritis in piglets, but human infection is rare, and no other case reports of ocular infection are known. The organism was sensitive to penicillin at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.03 mg/1.
Insights
A rare Streptococcus suis type II infection caused severe bilateral endophthalmitis, meningitis, and sepsis in a human. This case highlights the potential for zoonotic transmission of this pathogen, emphasizing the need for vigilance in both veterinary and human medicine.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Streptococcus suis type II (group R) is a known cause of disease in swine.
- Human infections with Streptococcus suis are uncommon.
- Ocular manifestations of Streptococcus suis in humans have not been previously reported.
Observation:
- A patient presented with bilateral endophthalmitis, meningitis, sensorineural deafness, labyrinthitis, and septicaemia.
- The patient's severe systemic illness was attributed to Streptococcus suis type II.
Findings:
- The causative agent, Streptococcus suis type II, was identified.
- The isolate demonstrated high sensitivity to penicillin, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.03 mg/L.
Implications:
- This case represents the first documented instance of Streptococcus suis type II causing ocular infection in humans.
- The findings underscore the zoonotic potential of Streptococcus suis and the importance of considering it in human infections, especially with neurological or ophthalmological symptoms.
- Penicillin remains an effective treatment option for infections caused by this pathogen.