A case of Streptococcus suis infection under investigation

25 Jan 2010

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 25) investigating a case of laboratory confirmed infection of Streptococcus suis (a kind of bacteria isolated from pigs).

The case involved a 63-year-old woman, who developed shortness of breath, chest discomfort and deterioration of general condition since January 8 and was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital two days later. Her blood culture grew Streptococcus suis. She is in serious condition.

A CHP spokesman said the patient had no recent travel history. She had history of handling raw pork while preparing food at home. Her home contact did not have any symptoms.

This is the second case of Streptococcus suis infection reported this year. Six cases were reported in 2009 and another six in 2008.

The spokesman said Streptococcus suis infection may present as meningitis (inflammation of the membrane enclosing the brain), septicaemia (blood stream infection), and less commonly endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers), arthritis and bronchopneumonia (a kind of lung infection involving the bronchioles). Streptococcus suis infection could be treated with appropriate antibiotics.

To prevent the disease, members of the public are advised to always observe personal and environmental hygiene practices. They should avoid contact with pigs that are sick or dead from diseases and their excreta or body fluid. If contact with pigs or raw pork is necessary, one should:

* Use protective gloves;
* Wash hands after handling pigs or raw pork; and
* Clean and cover all wounds properly.

Members of the public with suspected symptoms should consult their doctors as soon as possible and report their relevant exposure histories.

They can obtain more information on Streptococcus suis from the CHP website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).