[Streptococcus suis Human Infection: the Need for Establishing a Multisectoral Collaborative Response System]

This report presents a case of Streptococcus suis meningitis identified in Chungcheongbuk Province, Republic of Korea, in August 2024, and proposes strategies for establishing a multi-sectoral collaborative response system at the regional level. S. suis is a zoonotic pathogen commonly found in pigs. In this case, transmission was suspected to have occurred through the consumption of pork sausage and occupational exposure on a pig farm, prompting an epidemiological investigation. However, owing to insufficient scientific evidence, a causal relationship between the risk factors and the disease cannot be established, and the transmission route remains inconclusive. During the response process, multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Institute of Chungbuk Provincial Veterinary Service and Research, collaborated. Nevertheless, limitations arose due to inadequate information-sharing systems and a lack of clearly defined roles among agencies, which hindered swift responses. Notably, the premature disposal of human specimens prevented serotype comparison between human and environmental samples, highlighting a significant gap in the multi-sectoral collaboration framework. Upon discharge, the patient continued to work on a pig farm, maintaining ongoing exposure to pigs. Therefore, strict education on the use of personal protective equipment and hygiene maintenance in pig farming facilities is emphasized. This case underscores the critical importance of establishing a multi-sectoral collaborative response system and rapid information-sharing platform at the regional level. It serves as a key reference for enhancing preparedness and response to zoonotic infections that are not yet included in national surveillance systems.