Porcine Streptococcal Synovitis Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Streptococcal synovitis is an inflammation of the synovial membrane lining the joints, primarily caused by Streptococcus suis in swine. This condition represents one of the most important causes of polyarthritis in pigs and is a significant component of streptococcosis, a leading infectious disease in the global swine industry.

S. suis is also a zoonotic pathogen, capable of causing severe infections in humans including meningitis, septicemia, and septic arthritis. This makes understanding this organism critically important for both veterinary practice and public health.

Etiology

Causative Agent

Streptococcus suis is a gram-positive, facultative anaerobic coccus that exists in pairs or short chains. The organism possesses a distinctive capsule that provides resistance to phagocytosis and contributes to virulence. There are 35 recognized serotypes (1-34 and 1/2) based on capsular polysaccharide antigens.