Prevalence of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 isolated from pigs: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Among Streptococcus suis serotypes, S. suis serotype 2 is the most significant serotype that causes serious diseases in pigs and humans worldwide. The present study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of S. suis serotype 2 isolated from pigs, determine its trend, and explore the factors associated with this serotype.

We retrieved relevant published studies from PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science. The retrieved citations were screened for possible inclusion. Relevant data were then extracted from the included studies. The random-effects model was used for all meta-analyses. A subgroup meta-analysis was used to assess the heterogeneity of the prevalence for four characteristics (continents, sampling organs, reporting unit, and pig's health status). A cumulative meta-analysis was performed to determine the cumulative prevalence over time. Meta-regression analysis was used to determine the trend of pooled prevalence of S. suis serotype 2 over time.

Of 600 articles retrieved, 36 studies comprising a total sample size of 6939 isolates or samples from 16 countries of four continents were included for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of S. suis serotype 2 isolated from pigs was 13.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.7%-17.1%), with high heterogeneity among the included studies (Cochran's Q, 431.6; p < 0.001; I² = 91.9%; Table-1). No statistical significance was observed among subgroups of the four characteristics examined. However, the pooled prevalence of S. suis serotype 2 was as high as 16.0% (95% CI, 12.5%-20.3%; n = 16) in diseased pigs compared with 9.9% (95% CI, 5.6%-17.0%; n = 15) in healthy pigs. The pooled prevalence of S. suis serotype 2 isolated from pigs did not significantly decrease over time [regression coefficient = -0.020 (95% CI, 0.046-0.006, p = 0.139)]. The pooled prevalence of S. suis serotype 2 isolated from pigs fluctuated slightly between 13.2% and 17.8% from 2007 to 2023, although the pooled prevalence gradually decreased from 30.6% in 1987 to over 20% in 2003.

The global prevalence of S. suis serotype 2 isolated from pigs was estimated to be 13.6% (approximately 10% in healthy pigs and around 16% in diseased pigs). S. suis serotype 2 isolated from pigs did not change significantly over time. These results indicate that S. suis serotype 2 remains a problem for the pig industry and poses a threat to human health.