Meningitis and hypoacusia due to swine meat handling

Abstract

Zoonotic meningitis by Streptococcus suis has been described occasionally in Chile and linked to pig farmers in the south of the country. We report a female case that developed acute bacterial meningitis by this agent, two days after handling a piece of raw swine meat. She did not participate on swine breeding nor visited farms. Diagnosis was obtained by CSF culture. A severe hearing loss and not recovered despite corticosteroids use and antimicrobial treatment, without others complications. Meningitis by S. suis is emerging as a new pathogen and linked to swine in different forms. Hypoacusis happens frequently with this agent.