Streptococcus suis: An Underestimated Emerging Pathogen in Hungary?

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen increasingly implicated in human infections like meningitis and sepsis.
• While S. suis epidemiology is studied globally, comprehensive data from East-Central European countries are lacking.
• Hungary's agricultural practices and population health factors may predispose individuals to S. suis infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the epidemiology of human S. suis infections in Hungary from 2002-2019.
• To document clinical presentations and outcomes of S. suis infections.
• To raise awareness among clinicians and microbiologists regarding S. suis.

Main Methods:

• Data collection from the National Bacteriological Surveillance (NBS) system (2002-2019).
• Isolation and analysis of 74 S. suis strains from invasive human infections in 34 patients.
• Case study documentation of three distinct S. suis infection outcomes.

Main Results:

• A total of 74 S. suis strains were isolated from 34 patients over 18 years (average 1.89 cases/year).
• Most isolates were from blood cultures (63.5%) and cerebrospinal fluid (18.9%).
• Three instructive cases illustrated varied clinical presentations and outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Human S. suis infections occur in Hungary, necessitating surveillance.
• Risk factors include occupational exposure to pigs and pre-existing health conditions.
• Clinicians should maintain vigilance for S. suis, especially in at-risk populations.