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. 2024 Mar;30(3):616-619.
doi: 10.3201/eid3003.231018.

Subdural Empyema from Streptococcus suis Infection, South Korea

Subdural Empyema from Streptococcus suis Infection, South Korea

Sejin Choi et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2024 Mar.

Abstract

In Jeju Island, South Korea, a patient who consumed raw pig products had subdural empyema, which led to meningitis, sepsis, and status epilepticus. We identified Streptococcus suis from blood and the subdural empyema. This case illustrates the importance of considering dietary habits in similar clinical assessments to prevent misdiagnosis.

Keywords: South Korea; Streptococcus suis; bacteria; food safety; foodborne infections; raw pork; subdural empyema.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Initial image findings of subdural empyema in a patient with Streptococcus suis infection, Jeju Island, South Korea. A, B) Computed tomography scans. D–F) Magnetic resonance imaging: diffusion weighted (D, E), T2 (C), and enhanced T1 (F).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Detection of Streptococcus suis in a patient with Streptococcus suis infection, Jeju Island, South Korea, performed by using PCR with specific primers for gdh and thrA. Size marker, 1 kb DNA ladder (LugenSci, https://www.lugensci.com). Lane 1, blood culture, DNA from patient’s blood culture; lane 2, subdural empyema, DNA from patient’s subdural pus; lane 3, positive control, DNA from previously isolated S. suis stock; lane 4, negative control, no template PCR condition.

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