Epidemiology and Infection
- Epidemiology and Infection March 2011 139 : pp 406-410
- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010
- DOI: 10.1017/S0950268810001184 (About DOI)
- Published online: May 2010
Bacterial infections/HAI
Human meningitis from Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus acquired as zoonoses
L. R. MINCESa1 c1, P. J. BROWNa2 and P. J. VELDKAMPa1
a1 Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
a2 School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
SUMMARY
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus rarely causes meningitis in humans by contact with domestic animals or their unpasteurized products. In this paper we reviewed the literature pertaining to the epidemiological and clinical aspects relating to this infection on previously reported cases of human disease. Additionally, the case of a 51-year-old female who acquired meningitis with this organism after contact with a horse is described. This patient was successfully treated with ceftriaxone, yet penicillin remains the treatment of choice. This aetiological agent should be considered in the proper epidemiological context.
(Accepted April 28 2010)
(Online publication May 24 2010)
Correspondence:
c1 Author for correspondence: L. R. Minces, M.D., Falk Medical Building, Suite 3A, 3601 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. (Email: mincesL2@upmc.edu)
