Overview
Streptococcus suis infection in pigs manifests primarily as respiratory or central nervous system (CNS) disease, with varying clinical presentations depending on the serotype involved 123.Diagnosis
Clinical Signs: Lameness, depressed appearance, high fever, neurological signs, respiratory distress, suppurative bronchopneumonia, fibrinous arthritis, meningitis 123.
Gross Lesions: Commonly observed include suppurative bronchopneumonia, pleuritis, pericarditis, arthritis, polyserositis 2.
Microbiological Testing: Isolation of S. suis from blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or affected tissues; co-infections with E. coli and P. multocida are frequent 2.
Serotyping: Essential for identifying specific serotypes (e.g., serotypes 2 and 9) and guiding prognosis and management 13.Management
Supportive Care: Fluid therapy, antipyretics, and supportive measures for respiratory and neurological symptoms 2.
Antibiotics: Penicillin or amoxicillin are commonly used; specific dosing not detailed in abstracts 2.
Vaccination: Vaccination with suilysin (VAC-SLY) shows protective efficacy against severe clinical signs 1.Special Populations
Weaned Pigs: Susceptible to severe forms including meningitis, arthritis, and endocarditis, particularly with serotype 9 3.Key Recommendations
Vaccinate with suilysin-containing vaccines to reduce severity of clinical signs in pigs (Evidence: Moderate) 1.
Consider co-infections when diagnosing S. suis cases, as other pathogens like E. coli and P. multocida are frequently isolated (Evidence: Moderate) 2.
Monitor for serotype-specific lesions to tailor clinical management and prognosis (Evidence: Expert opinion) 123.References
1 Jacobs AA, van den Berg AJ, Loeffen PL. Protection of experimentally infected pigs by suilysin, the thiol-activated haemolysin of Streptococcus suis. The Veterinary record 1996. link
2 Reams RY, Glickman LT, Harrington DD, Thacker HL, Bowersock TL. Streptococcus suis infection in swine: a retrospective study of 256 cases. Part II. Clinical signs, gross and microscopic lesions, and coexisting microorganisms. Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc 1994. link
3 Vasconcelos D, Middleton DM, Chirino-Trejo JM. Lesions caused by natural infection with Streptococcus suis type 9 in weaned pigs. Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc 1994. link