Streptococcus suis

Streptococcus suis, an important pathogen of pigs, is endemic in most pig-rearing countries of the world, including the UK.

The organism is carried in the tonsils of pigs, and pig-to-pig spread is mainly by nose-to-nose contact or by aerosol over short distances.

Human infection with Streptococcus suis is rarely reported and only about 150 cases have been reported from the world literature. People in direct contact with pigs or pig products are considered at risk. Human infection is thought to occur mainly via cuts or abrasions when handling infected carcasses.