Streptococcus suis infection is one of the statutory notifiable infectious diseases in Hong Kong .

Causative agent

It is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus suis.

Clinical features

The disease may present as meningitis, septicaemia, and less commonly - endocarditis, arthritis and bronchopneumonia. The characteristic complication of Streptococcus suis infection is deafness which is likely to remain permanent. Bilateral hearing loss is more common than unilateral.

Mode of transmission

Streptococcus suis is a common infection among pigs. The bacterium is carried in the tonsils of young weaned pigs, and spread among pigs by nose-to-nose contact or by aerosol over short distances.

Human infection by Streptococcus suis occurs mainly in adults and is often related to occupational exposure through the skin in cuts or abrasions while handling infected pig carcasses. Common occupations at risk include pig breeders, abattoir workers, meat processing and transport workers, butchers, and cooks. Patients infected by Streptococcus suis are usually healthy adults. However, patients with asplenia, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism and malignancy are at greater risk of infection.

Management

Streptococcus suis infection can be treated with appropriate antibiotics.

Prevention

• Observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene.
• Avoid contact with pigs.
• When handling pigs or raw pork, wear protective gloves and avoid injury.
• Wash hands after handling pigs or raw pork.
• Clean and cover all wounds properly.
• Raw pork and cooked food should be dealt with and kept separately.
• Pork should be cooked thoroughly before consumption.
• Do not bring meat into Hong Kong without a permit.

People with suspected symptoms should consult their doctor as soon as possible and report their relevant exposure histories.