Streptococcus suis meningitis in China: a case report
Tiantian Liu1, Hengfang Liu2, Yanjie Jia1
1Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
Frontiers in Public Health
|May 29, 2024
Summary
A rare Streptococcus suis infection caused meningitis and sepsis in a butcher. Despite treatment, the patient experienced permanent hearing loss, highlighting the severity of this zoonotic pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Zoonotic diseases
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Streptococcus suis is an emerging zoonotic pathogen, rarely causing severe human infections like meningitis and sepsis.
- Human infections are uncommon compared to more prevalent pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old butcher presented with altered consciousness and fever after a hand injury.
- Metagenomic sequencing identified Streptococcus suis in cerebrospinal fluid, confirming meningitis and sepsis.
- The patient developed bilateral sudden deafness despite meropenem and steroid treatment.
Findings:
- Streptococcus suis meningitis presents with acute onset and rapid neurological progression.
- Effective antibiotic and corticosteroid therapy are crucial for managing human S. suis meningitis.
- This case highlights a severe complication of S. suis infection, resulting in permanent hearing loss.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are vital for Streptococcus suis infections.
- Healthcare professionals should be aware of S. suis as a potential cause of zoonotic meningitis.
- Further research is needed to understand and prevent long-term sequelae like hearing loss.
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