New technology meets clinical knowledge: Diagnosing Streptococcus suis meningitis in a 67-year-old man

Strepotocuccus suis (S. suis) infection is known to be caused by the exposure to contaminated animals, specifically pigs and wild boars. This pathogen can cause bacterial meningitis, and one report indicated that it is the most common pathogen causing bacterial meningitis in Vietnam (Mai et al., 2008). A 67-year-old man was diagnosed with S. suis bacteremia and meningitis. In general, identification of this pathogen using standard biochemical methods takes time. We successfully diagnosed S. suis bacteremia in this patient, however, using the relatively new technology called Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Knowledge of the characteristics of S. suis and this newer technology led to the definitive diagnosis and prompt management of this patient. Herein, we highlight the use of a new technology in the context of sound microbiological knowledge in caring for patients.