Doctors at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases recently saved a patient after four days of intensive care, a hospital representative announced on 14/7. The patient was admitted with reduced consciousness and classic signs of acute meningitis. Laboratory tests confirmed the patient had meningitis and brain edema caused by *Streptococcus suis* bacteria (pig streptococcus).

The patient's medical history revealed he had consumed pig blood pudding approximately four days before admission. Two days after the meal, he developed a fever, headache, and nausea. His condition rapidly worsened, leading to drowsiness and agitation, prompting his family to seek emergency care at a local medical facility before he was transferred to the national hospital.

Doctor Phan Van Manh, who directly treated the patient, stated that brain edema is the most concerning complication in acute meningitis cases with altered consciousness. This condition rapidly increases intracranial pressure, causing severe brain damage and directly threatening life if not treated promptly.

The patient receiving treatment at the hospital. Photo: Hospital provided

The treatment team intubated the patient, placed him on a ventilator, and administered a combination of antibiotics and resuscitation measures to control the brain edema. After four days of treatment, the patient's health improved; he was extubated and transferred to the General Infectious Diseases Department.

According to Doctor Manh, *Streptococcus suis* is a leading cause of meningitis in adults in Vietnam. Beyond damaging the meninges, this bacterium can cause sepsis, leading to hemorrhagic rash, coagulopathy, septic shock, and multiple organ failure. Clinical observations show many cases of the disease occur even after consuming chicken or goat blood pudding. Doctor Manh explained that preparation processes might involve mixing pig blood with other types of blood pudding, leading to bacterial cross-contamination.

*Streptococcus suis* infection progresses rapidly, and no vaccine is currently available for prevention. Mild cases can result in pneumonia or sepsis. Severe cases cause meningitis, often accompanied by permanent hearing loss. Critical cases can be fatal. Experts advise the public to strictly avoid consuming raw blood pudding or undercooked pork. If fever or headache symptoms appear after eating blood pudding or contact with sick pigs, individuals should seek immediate medical attention.

Thuy Quynh