Social and Cultural Vulnerabilities that Contribute to the Occurrence of Permanent Hearing Loss Caused by Streptococcus suis

Abstract

"Streptococcus suis infection" is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus suis and affects pigs, which can transmit the infection to humans, leading to the septicemia and meningitis. Individuals with Streptococcus suis infection will gradually lose their hearing permanently, and it can be severe enough to be fatal. Risk factors for the disease include consuming raw or undercooked pork or pork blood and getting infected through wounds or mucous membranes in individuals who come into close contact with infected pigs. Streptococcus suis infection is related to social and cultural factors, as it involves the connection between pigs and humans, both as livestock and as food. The majority of infected patients are males who consume alcohol, work as laborers, or use manual labor. When they become ill, they often buy fever-reducing medications before seeking medical attention. This delay in diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can result in the infection damaging the auditory nervous system. These factors reflect the vulnerability to the potential harm of a preventable disease. This article aims to present a perspective on Streptococcus suis infection in Thailand and abroad, highlighting the social and cultural aspects, overlooked infectious diseases, and the concepts and management of Meniere's disease. This, in turn, will lead to a deeper understanding of Streptococcus suis infection and the development of nursing care, control, and prevention of diseases relevant to the community in the future.