Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

Introduction

Etiologic agent of erysipeloid.

Gram positive rod.

Epidemiology

• widespread in distribution.
• capable of infecting vertebrates (mammals, birds, fish) & invertebrates (shellfish, insects)
• primarily saprophytic organism
• no vectors
• human infection acquired by direct contact with dead animal matter

Pathology

• most human infections are cutaneous
• rare invasive form associatede with endocarditis

Laboratory

• Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae antigen
• Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae DNA
• Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae identified by culture

More general terms

• Erysipelothrix

Additional terms

• erysipeloid