LAUSR

Purpose of reviewStreptococcus suis is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that can cause severe infections in pigs and humans. S. suis has been reported in Europe, America, and Asia, and has resulted in heavy losses to swine production and serious public health concerns. Serum agglutination has identified several serotypes. Here, we review the methods for serotyping S. suis, the current serological classifications, and the future trend in serotyping. Recent findingsIn recent years, some serotypes have been identified as other bacterial species, while others have been identified as novel S. suis serotypes. Modern molecular biology techniques, including new molecular biology serotyping methods based on the serotype-specific genes, are more accurate and sensitive than traditional serotyping methods.SummaryThere are many undiscovered serotypes of S. suis in nature. The relationship between capsule antigenicity and capsular polysaccharide locus genes is complex. Although molecular biology techniques are simple, rapid, and sensitive, the results obtained by these methods should be validated by serological methods.