Enzootic streptococcal meningitis in pigs

The enzootic streptococcal meningitis the pig is an infectious disease in pigs caused by the bacterium Streptococcus suis is caused. Since Streptococcus suis is also pathogenic to humans , it is a zoonosis .

Epidemiology

S. suis colonizes the tonsils of older pigs, which, however, are mostly latently infected and therefore appear clinically healthy. These latently infected people, but also other animal species or humans, can bring the pathogen into free populations. The infection occurs through the mouth, nose or skin injuries. Suckling pigs become infected with the mother sow soon after birth.

Serovar 1 leads to diseases above all in suckling piglets from the 2nd week of life, Serovar 2 later in weaned piglets with 4 weeks and older animals up to 20 weeks.

Clinical picture

First the disease manifests itself in a spread phase with fever and reluctance to eat. Later the pathogens settle in different organs (meninges, joints and lungs); purulent meningitis ( meningitis ), inflammation of several joints ( polyarthritis ) and pneumonia develop . A heart muscle inflammation , occurs but rarely. The symptoms are motor failures (rowing movements), cramps, lameness and shortness of breath.

diagnosis

The clinic is primarily used for diagnostics. A good response to penicillin is also an indication. However, only evidence of the pathogen in organs, cerebral or synovial fluid is evidence .

therapy

Penicillin is the drug of choice. Alternatives are ampicillin , amoxicillin , oxacillin , ceftiofur, and tylosin .

source

• Medical microbiology, infection and epidemic theory von Rolle / Mayr, Enke Verlag Stuttgart (2007)

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !