Understanding the virulence of Streptococcus suis: A veterinary, medical, and economic challenge

Med Mal Infect. 2018 May;48(3):159-166. doi: 10.1016/j.medmal.2017.10.001. Epub 2017 Nov 6.

Abstract

Streptococcus suis is a major swine pathogen worldwide and causes considerable economic losses in the swine industry. S. suis is also an emerging zoonotic agent, mainly in Asia. In pigs and humans, S. suis can cause septicemia, pneumonia, endocarditis, arthritis, and meningitis with irreversible sequelae. Identification and characterization of the virulence factors produced by S. suis are major advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of S. suis infections and has therefore opened promising avenues for vaccine development against this pathogen. This literature review aimed to update the current knowledge of the virulence mechanisms of S. suis and of the vaccination strategies tested until now.

Keywords: Facteur de virulence; Meningitis; Méningite; Streptococcus suis; Vaccin; Vaccine; Virulence factor; Zoonose; Zoonosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Asia / epidemiology
  • Bacterial Proteins / physiology
  • Bacterial Vaccines
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Serogroup
  • Streptococcal Infections / economics
  • Streptococcal Infections / epidemiology
  • Streptococcal Infections / prevention & control
  • Streptococcal Infections / veterinary*
  • Streptococcus suis / classification
  • Streptococcus suis / genetics
  • Streptococcus suis / immunology
  • Streptococcus suis / pathogenicity*
  • Swine
  • Swine Diseases / economics
  • Swine Diseases / epidemiology
  • Swine Diseases / microbiology*
  • Swine Diseases / prevention & control
  • Vaccination / veterinary
  • Virulence
  • Zoonoses

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Bacterial Vaccines