Streptococcus suis is a Gram-positive bacterium of great sanitary importance in the swine industry, associated with cases of septicemia, meningitis, arthritis, endocarditis, and pneumonia in pigs. In addition to its impact on animal production, it is a zoonotic pathogen capable of causing serious infections in humans. Among the main virulence factors of S. suis, the Extracellular Protein Factor (EPF) stands out as an extracellular protein related to the pathogenicity of certain strains.
The Extracellular Protein Factor (EPF) is primarily associated with highly virulent strains of Streptococcus suis, being frequently used as a molecular virulence marker. The presence of the epf gene has been correlated with more severe clinical conditions, especially meningitis and septicemia, both in swine and in human infections.
The transmission of Streptococcus suis occurs primarily through direct contact between animals, via respiratory secretions, skin wounds, and mucous membranes, with colonization of the tonsils and upper respiratory tract of clinically healthy pigs being common. Stress factors, such as weaning, transport, overcrowding, and management failures, favor the progression of the infection and the onset of clinical disease.
Clinical signs of infection by strains carrying the EPF factor include fever, apathy, anorexia, incoordination, tremors, neurological signs, lameness, and sudden death. The high morbidity and mortality observed in some outbreaks reinforce the importance of this virulence factor in the aggravation of the disease.
The prevention and control of Streptococcus suis infections are based on the adoption of biosecurity measures, improvements in management conditions, the reduction of stress factors, and the control of secondary infections. The use of autogenous vaccines may be considered in specific situations, especially in herds with a recurring history of the disease.
Laboratory diagnosis is essential for identifying the agent and characterizing the strains involved. Molecular methods, such as PCR, allow for the detection of virulence genes, including epf, aiding in the assessment of the pathogenic potential of isolated strains. Accurate diagnosis supports sanitary decision-making and more effective control strategies.
Continuous epidemiological surveillance, associated with the monitoring of virulence factors such as EPF, is essential for understanding the dynamics of Streptococcus suis infections. These actions contribute to the reduction of economic impacts, the protection of animal health, and the mitigation of public health risks.
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In this context, Bioperfectus’ Streptococcus suis (EPF) rapid test represents a strategic screening tool to support sanitary surveillance in swine herds. The application of the rapid test enables the agile identification of strains carrying the EPF virulence factor directly within the monitoring routine, assisting in immediate decision-making, such as animal segregation, intensification of biosecurity measures, and the directing of samples for confirmation by molecular methods. In this way, the rapid test complements conventional laboratory diagnostics, contributing to the early detection of highly virulent strains, the reduction of severe outbreaks, and the strengthening of Streptococcus suis control strategies, with direct benefits for animal and public health.
