Streptococcus suis infection: overview of case reports in Thailand.

This paper presents an overview of reports of Streptococcus suis infection in Thailand from 1987-2000. Nine reports (N=27 samples) have been collected and analyzed descriptively. The demographic data and clinical data showed 15 samples (55.6%) of all samples had a history of contact with pig, raw pork product or a history of raw pork, or uncooked pig's blood, consumption. The ages of the patients ranged from 23 to 72 years (mean 47 +/- 8.91). Most presented with fever (N=27, 100%), headache (N=11, 40.74%) and neck stiffness (N=13, 48.15%). Twelve (44.44%) cases developed septic shock, and only one survived with loss of hearing ability. Two cases were the first report of human S. suis endocarditis from Thailand. One case was probably the first case report of S. suis peritonitis. Laboratory results and treatment have been also reviewed and may highlight the importance of microbiological laboratories that have limited facilities for identification of the organism.