Other Streptococcal and Enterococcal Infections

Bacterial streptococcal strains were isolated from the lungs and kidney of two pigs with lesions associated with pneumonia and septicemia, respectively. The two isolates were recovered from different animals, on different farms located in difference provinces of Spain, and in different years. The isolates were classified as a new species, Streptococcus plurextorum sp nov (novel species). Other isolates associated with pneumonia were also defined as a new species, Streptococcus porci sp nov. So far, there are no data about the habitat and/or virulence properties of these two species.

Enterococci are known as part of the intestinal flora, but some strains can extensively colonize the mucosal surface of the small intestine. Some enterococcal species that show typical adhesion to the apical surface of the enterocytes of the small intestine of young animals have been described as associated with diarrhea in different species, including piglets 2–20 days old. Taxonomic studies have shown that most of these enterococci are members of the E faecium species group, mainly E durans and E hirae.