[Kelly_2000]

"My recollection (the software is not what it once was) is that in man, S. suis serotype 2 can cause arthritis, fever, meningitis, and permanent hearing loss."

There are 36 serotypes of Strep suis, serotype 2 as I say is one of the most virulent, you have missed the fact that nearly ALL strep and staph infections can lead to this complication. It is observed in humans especially as I say with serotype 2 and less commonly 4 as well as an as yet untyped variant of strep suis that can cause septicemia,this WIL and does result in systemic shock or Toxic Shock Syndrome as it is clinically diagnosed (TSS). Death will result from multi organ failure. Although due to my line of work I am familiar with this fact, I will post some references here to corroborate my point:

In pigs IAI :

"Streptococcus suis is an important cause of meningitis, septicemia, arthritis, and sudden death in young pigs (6, 32). It can also cause meningitis in humans... "

In Humans CDC/WHO :

"Although rarely diagnosed in Europe, there is some evidence that Streptococcus suis is a not uncommon cause of bacterial meningitis in humans residing in some parts of South-east Asia...."

"Another possible consequence of infection is the occurrence of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). This syndrome is also associated with other streptococcal and staphylococcal infections. This may lead to severe damage of many vital organs, including the liver, kidneys and circulatory system. TSS is only partially responsive to treatment with antibiotics, and intensive supportive care is required. If TSS, occurs the outcome is likely to be worse."

"

Sudden onset and chronic symptoms due to TSS

: "The incubation period ranges from a few hours up to three days....."

I am sure that the outbreak is real in terms of strep suis but there is still a real and present danger posed by H5N1 within Chinese borders and now thanks largely to their ineptness and deceit a growing problem in neighboring and European countries.

It appears that a number of pathogens are causing concern and disease clusters in China this is a result of poor health care policy in an overburdened corrupt culture. The level of deceit and secrecy only exacerbates this problem.

[Logical Extinction]

Thank you both for bringing me up to speed on this aspect of Streptococcus suis infection.

I will add this citation to the ones you have posted.

WHO - An outbreak in Sichuan Province, China, associated with high mortality

Many cases are not serious, but in a significant minority, severe manifestations, including meningitis and toxic shock syndrome (TSS) can occur and may result in death.

However, outbreaks of Streptococcus suis infection are unusual.

In addition, although many of the clinical features described in the outbreak are consistent with Streptococcus suis infection, the apparent proportion of patients showing severe illness and the level of mortality appear relatively high.

However, this may reflect the easier identification of more serious cases at the beginning of the investigation

Any outbreak that shows unusual or previously unreported features requires a thorough clinical, laboratory investigation to obtain a complete picture.