Interactions of Streptococcus suis with host mucosa

The progression of disease symptoms caused by Streptococcus suis are characterized by at least four sequential processes: (i) adherence to host cells, (ii) invasion and crossing of host epithelia, (iii) dispersal and survival in the blood stream, and (iv) infection of downstream organs. During any of these steps, bacteria may proliferate and induce damage leading to exaggerated inflammation (Fig. 1.2). However, there are several open questions concerning the pathogenesis of disease cause by S. suis infection that are discussed below and throughout this thesis.