Abstract
Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a zoonotic bacterium that causes meningitis. Here, we report a case of a pig farmer with meningitis caused by S. suis.
Case: A man in his 60s was brought to our hospital with suspected meningoencephalitis after experiencing fever and abnormal behavior. Physical examination revealed neck stiffness, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed bacterial meningitis. Hence, empiric antibiotic therapy was initiated. S. suis was detected on the fourth day in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. CTRX monotherapy was continued, and the symptoms rapidly improved; however, the patient re- mained bilaterally deaf. Moreover, the inflammatory response recurred after the completion of the initial antibiotic regimen, thus long-term antibiotic treatment was required. On day 45 of the illness, the patient was transferred to an- other hospital for rehabilitation without having surgical intervention for his hearing loss.
Discussion: S. suis can be transmitted through contact with raw pork and is considered an occupational infection. It is characterized by high-frequency hearing loss, and early cochlear implantation has been reported to be an effective treatment.
Conclusion: Although rare, it is important to consider S. suis infection in patients suspected of having had contact with pigs, especially those working at pig farms. Interventions for hearing impairment should be taken as soon as possible.
