Streptococcus suis is associated with meningitis, septicaemia, polyarthritis, endocarditis and bronchopneumonia in young pigs. At least 28 serotypes have been identified. Disease in Australian pigs has been associated with serotypes 1, 2, 3, 7 and 9.

Diagnosis

Isolation of S. suis from affected tissues (brain, joints, lung, liver, kidney, spleen).

Specimens required

1. Fresh chilled portions of brain and/or lung, liver, kidney, spleen
2. Sections of brain, liver, kidney in buffered formalin for histopathology

Serotyping of S. suis isolates is not routinely available.