Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

Gram Stain

• Gram positive bacilli (aerobic)

Clinical Significance

This organism is widely distributed in the environment (soil/water/foodstuff).

It is associated with occupational/zoonotic infections following animal/meat/poultry/fish contact.

It causes erysipeloid (NOT to be confused with erysipelas), a form of localized cellulitis typically of the hands/fingers and may also cause septic arthritis (native/prosthetic joint), osteomyelitis, and tenosynovitis.

It has also been associated with bacteremia and endocarditis in immunocompromised/debilitated (alcohol abuse) patients.

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

This organism is susceptible to penicillin, cephalosporins, and clindamycin and has variable susceptibility to macrolides and tetracyclines. 

It is resistant to vancomycin, TMP/SMX, aminoglycosides, and colistin.