Swine meningitis (streptoccocus suis): medications, symptoms, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is swine meningitis (Streptococcus suis)?

Swine meningitis is a type of meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) caused by bacteria Streptococcus suis (S. suis). Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a gram-positive bacterium that is shaped like a pea, and is a parasite that occurs in pigs. The disease is endemic in almost all countries with a large swine industry. These bacteria can also be transmitted from pigs to humans.

Humans can become infected with S. suis when handling carcasses or infected pork, especially people who have open wounds and abrasions on their hands. S. suis infection in humans can be severe, with meningitis, sepsis, endocarditis, and deafness as possible consequences of this infection.

Fatal cases due to S. suis bacteria are not common, but that does not mean they are rare. Penicillin is the most common antibiotic used in the treatment of S. suis infection; in case of cardiac involvement (endocarditis), gentamicin should also be given for synergistic effects.

How common is swine meningitis?

The number of human cases of S. suis infection reported in various sources has increased significantly over the past few years. In a review article published in 2007, 409 human cases of swine meningitis were reported. At the time of writing this article, the figure has increased to> 700 cases, with the majority of cases being found in Southeast Asia.

However, this can be overcome by reducing your risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of swine meningitis?

The incubation period ranges from several hours (in the case of direct entry of bacteria / parasites into the blood via an open wound) to two weeks. Swine meningitis is the most common manifestation of S. suis infection. Symptoms mimic those of other bacterial meningitis, which include headache, fever, and vomiting.

Skin bleeding ranging from petechiae (red patches on the skin) to widespread ecchymosis is also common. Streptococcus suis it can also be associated with other systemic complications such as sepsis, pneumonia, arthritis, endocarditis, and Streptococcal Toxic Shock-like Syndrome (STSS).

Deafness and other cranial nerve disorders, such as vestibular dysfunction, are the most commonly reported neurological sequelae of the disease.

The mortality rate for swine meningitis ranges from 2.6 to 63% in patients who are accompanied by septic shock. There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and prevent other medical emergencies, so consult your doctor as soon as possible to prevent this serious condition.

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above, or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always best to discuss what is best for your situation with your doctor.

Cause

What causes swine meningitis?

Swine meningitis is caused by Streptococcus suis , which is transmitted to humans through close or direct contact with infected pigs and pork products. People who come into direct contact with pigs (for example pig farmers, slaughterhouse workers, people transporting pigs, and butchers) are usually infected through skin cuts or infections.

The entry of bacteria through blisters and cuts on the skin can shorten the incubation period. These bacteria can also enter the body through the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose. Apart from domestic pigs, wild boar can also be a source of S. suis infection for hunters. Streptococcus suis has been isolated from raw pork samples and it is thought that there is foodborne transmission. However, so far, the evidence for this opinion is insufficient.

Triggers

What puts a person more at risk of developing swine meningitis?

There are several trigger factors that put you at greater risk of developing this disease, including:

• Do not wash your hands with soap
• Not maintaining personal and food hygiene
• Lack of health education

Diagnosis and Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

How is swine meningitis (Streptococcus suis) diagnosed?

There are several common ways to diagnose this condition, including:

• Isolation and identification of bacteria from blood samples, cerebrospinal fluid, or from joint fluid are the main standards for diagnosing S. suis bacterial infection.
• Although S. suis can be identified using standard methods, it can be mistakenly identified with a species Streptococcus others except microbiologists and physicians are aware of the presence of this disease because many laboratories do not routinely specialize in α-haemolytic streptococci.
• In Asia, detection molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, have increased detection rates for bacteria in recent years.

What are the treatments for swine meningitis (Streptococcus suis)?

If you have this condition, some of the common treatments your doctor will recommend are:

• Streptococcus suis sensitive to a variety of antibiotics, including penicillin and cephalosporin.
• For mild cases, monotherapy with penicillin or ceftriazone is usually used.
• In more severe cases, several antibiotics are usually given.
• Penicillin-resistant strains have been isolated from one case in humans and several pigs. High levels of resistance to macrolide and tetracycline antibiotics were found in a recent study on the genotype and susceptibility testing of S. suis strains in Italy. In Europe, rising levels of resistance have been linked to the intensive use of tylosin (macrolide) as a growth promoter and Tetracycline as a therapeutic agent.

Prevention

What can I do at home to prevent and treat swine meningitis (Streptococcus suis)?

There is no human vaccine against S. suis infection. Vaccinating farmed pigs has been proven effective in reducing infection rates in pigs and transmission to humans.

Consistent use of gloves and washing of hands is likely to prevent infection in people who handle live pigs and carcasses of pigs, such as pig farmers, slaughterhouse workers and veterinarians. In addition, the consumption of raw or undercooked pork should be avoided, especially in endemic countries and when there are outbreaks in pig farms.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.