EXOone Streptococcus suis

Description

Streptococcus suis is a Gram-positive bacterium with remarkable importance in swine industry due its pathogenicity. It is described as endemic in numerous countries with relevant pig industry. It can cause illness during the whole life of the animal; however, post weaning stage is one of the most sensitive. Although most of animals are asymptomatic carriers in their tonsils and upper respiratory tract, this disease might end fatally through different processes such as meningitis, septicemia, pneumonia, arthritis, abortion and abscesses formation.
At the moment 35 different serotypes has been reported considering its capsular antigen. Although serotype 2 is often reported in relation to swine severe infections, each geographical region might present important differences. At this point, the development of molecular techniques like qPCR has made possible an easy, quick and sensitive detection of this bacteria and consequent serotyping.