Streptococcus suis: A Possible Emerging Zoonotic Pathogen in Romania

Streptococcus suis is a common germ in pig populations, with high carrier rates. Recent studies identify it as an emerging zoonotic pathogen, particularly in Southeast Asia, where raw pork is traditionally consumed. Data on Streptococcus suis infection in Europe, especially Eastern European countries like Romania, are limited. Our study reviewed data from an infectious diseases tertiary hospital in Bucharest between 2001 and 2024, including eight patients diagnosed with a Streptococcus suis invasive infection. The median age was 53.3 years, with a male-to-female ratio 3:1. Three patients had risk factors such as contact with pigs or handling fresh pork. Seven patients were initially diagnosed with meningitis and one with endocarditis. During hospitalization, an additional endocarditis case was identified among the meningitis patients. Laboratory samples indicated bacterial infection, with Streptococcus suis isolated from CSF in six cases and blood cultures in two cases. All strains tested were susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics, but resistant to lincosamides and macrolides. There were no deaths, but half of our patients experienced severe meningitis-related sequelae, mainly hearing loss. Clinicians should be aware of Streptococcus suis as an etiologic agent of meningitis in non-endemic areas like Romania, especially in patients with risk factors (contact with pigs, pork).