Occupational Exposure to Streptococcus suis among US Swine Workers
Author Information
Author(s): Smith Tara C., Capuano Ana W., Boese Brenda, Myers Kendall P., Gray Gregory C.
Primary Institution: University of Iowa College of Public Health
Hypothesis
Human infections with S. suis occur more commonly than currently recognized.
Conclusion
The study suggests that human infection with S. suis is more common in the United States than currently thought.
Supporting Evidence
- Seven (9.6%) of 73 swine-exposed study participants were positive for antibodies to S. suis.
- Study participants who worked with both finishing and nursery swine had 8.8× the odds of having a titer >10 compared to nonexposed participants.
- Previous studies have suggested that S. suis infections are often underdiagnosed in North America.
Takeaway
People who work with pigs might get sick from a germ called S. suis more often than we thought, even if we don't see many cases.
Methodology
The study examined archived serum samples from 73 swine-exposed and 67 non–swine-exposed adults for antibodies to S. suis serotype 2 using an ELISA.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of S. suis infections due to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.
Limitations
The study does not distinguish antibodies from true infection versus exposure to S. suis antigens, and it lacks data on pork consumption.
Participant Demographics
73 swine-exposed and 67 non–swine-exposed adults, with a majority being male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Confidence Interval
1.1–406.3
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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