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Permanent perceptive deafness due to Streptococcus suis type II infection
Abstract:
We report a case of meningitis and perceptive deafness caused by Streptococcus suis type II (Group R beta-haemolytic streptococcus). The illness is known to be an occupational hazard of pigmeat handlers and our patient worked in a pet food factory processing pig meat. His hearing loss was very severe and showed no improvement despite adequate antibiotic treatment. The organism that was isolated is the first to show penicillin resistance. The implications of this for antibiotic treatment are discussed.
Insights
A rare case of meningitis and severe hearing loss caused by Streptococcus suis type II was observed. This penicillin-resistant strain poses challenges for treating pig-related occupational infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Streptococcus suis type II is a known occupational hazard for individuals handling pig meat.
- Meningitis and hearing loss are potential severe outcomes of Streptococcus suis infections.
Observation:
- A pet food factory worker presented with meningitis and profound perceptive deafness.
- The patient's hearing loss was severe and unresponsive to standard antibiotic therapy.
Findings:
- The causative agent, Streptococcus suis type II, was identified as penicillin-resistant.
- This marks the first reported instance of penicillin resistance in this specific bacterial strain.
Implications:
- The penicillin resistance of Streptococcus suis type II necessitates a re-evaluation of treatment protocols.
- This finding has significant implications for managing occupational infections in the meat processing industry.