SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-S. Suis, a Resistant Zoonotic Cause of Septicemia

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This case report describes a rare but severe human infection caused by <em>Streptococcus suis</em>, a zoonotic gram-positive bacterium primarily associated with pigs. The organism can be transmitted through undercooked pork, occupational exposure, or contact with contaminated secretions. Although human infection is uncommon in North America, the authors highlight concern that antibiotic use in swine farming may contribute to emerging resistant zoonotic infections.

The patient was a 62-year-old man with alcohol use disorder and Crohn’s disease who presented with 4 days of left leg redness and swelling. He was initially treated for a suspected necrotizing soft tissue infection with broad-spectrum antibiotics, but his condition worsened with renal failure, shock, and progressive skin changes. He underwent fasciotomy and later transfer to a tertiary burn center, where repeat surgical exploration found no necrosis. During anesthesia induction, he aspirated vomit, suffered cardiac arrest, and was resuscitated before requiring ICU care, vasopressors, and VV ECMO for ARDS. Despite aggressive treatment, his metabolic acidosis persisted. Tissue cultures from the leg eventually grew “rare growth of <em>Strep suis</em>,” though susceptibility testing could not be performed because the isolate was nonviable.

The patient had no known direct farm animal exposure and denied raw pork consumption, though his family reported cooked pork meals. The team also considered other zoonotic pathogens based on pet exposure. After nearly two weeks of antibiotics and supportive care, the family chose comfort-focused care, and the patient died soon afterward.

The authors emphasize that <em>S. suis</em> should be considered in patients with septicemia and relevant exposure histories, even when classic swine contact is absent. The case also raises concern for possible antimicrobial resistance, especially given failure of multiple antibiotic regimens.

Asset Subtitle

Aakash Patel

Meta Tag

Author List Aakash Patel, Margaret Omatsone

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Streptococcus suis

Concept Zoonosis

Concept Pig reservoir

Concept Septicemia

Concept Undercooked Pork

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center

Presenting Author Aakash Patel

Track Adult

Keywords

Streptococcus suis

zoonotic infection

pork exposure

septicemia

necrotizing soft tissue infection

antimicrobial resistance

swine farming

fasciotomy

ARDS

ECMO

Streptococcus suis

Zoonosis

Pig reservoir

Septicemia

Undercooked Pork