Streptococcus suis, Streptococcus mitis, what is the problem?

In recent months Hong Kong citizens have learned much about a lethal bacterium— Streptococcus suis— which has caused at least 38 deaths among 204 people infected in Sichuan province alone. They were told that this bacterium is widely spread among pigs; many carry it without developing any illness. Environmental factors such as high temperature or humidity might trigger off a clinical infection which is then transmitted to humans through unhygienic practices. Although no one is certain about any link with the mainland cases, Hong Kong has had an unusual outbreak this summer—the figure of 11 cases is the highest it has ever been since S suis infections were first described here during 1981-1984.