Prevalence of Streptococcus suis in Thai Swine Farms Raises Zoonotic Health Concerns

Strategic Insights -

New research has shed light on the prevalence, serotype distribution, and pathotypic characteristics of Streptococcus suis isolates obtained from nasopharyngeal swabs of slaughtered pigs in Thailand. The study, conducted by a team of researchers from the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, found that 60.25% of the swab samples analyzed (194 out of 322) were found to harbor S. suis. The most prevalent serotype was serotype 8, followed by serotypes 19, 29, 3, and 2. Molecular characterization revealed the presence of various clonal complexes, with CC221/234 being the most prevalent, and human-associated clades were identified in 29.79% of isolates.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 60.25% of 322 swab samples from slaughtered pigs in a high-density swine farming region of Thailand were found to harbor Streptococcus suis.
  • The most prevalent serotype was serotype 8, followed by serotypes 19, 29, 3, and 2.
  • Molecular characterization revealed the presence of various clonal complexes, with CC221/234 being the most prevalent (19.15%).
  • Human-associated clades were identified in 29.79% of isolates, including serotypes 2, 1/2, and 4 in CC233/379.
  • Several isolates exhibited a high potential for zoonotic transmission, particularly within the CC233/379 clade, which emerged exclusively in Thailand.
  • The study concluded that surveillance and monitoring of populations are essential to track dynamics and mitigate the risk of human infections.
  • The research received financial support from Kasetsart University Research and Development Institute and has been peer-reviewed.

Specifically, the study mentions the involvement of researchers at the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, including Wiyada Chumpol, and other researchers from the same institution, as well as researchers from the Kasetsart University Research and Development Institute and the National Science and Technology Development Agency.

Statistics:

  • 60.25% of 322 swab samples were found to harbor Streptococcus suis.
  • The most prevalent serotype was serotype 8, with 7.98% prevalence.
  • 19.15% of isolates belonged to clonal complex (CC) 221/234.
  • 29.79% of isolates were identified as human-associated clades.
  • CC233/379 clade emerged exclusively in Thailand.

Sources:

  • Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2024;2024(1):3186518
  • National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
  • Kasetsart University Research and Development Institute
  • Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA (Wiley-Blackwell - www.wiley.com/; Transboundary and Emerging Diseases - onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1865-1682)