NAME OF DISEASE:     Erysipeloid

ORGANISM:     Erysipelothrix insidiosa (E. rhusiopathiae)

THE DISEASE:

    E. insidiosa is a short Gram⁺ rod, non-sporeforming (smooth colony) or a long filamentous rod (rough colony). Non-motile. Growth is aided by blood and glucose. Antigenic pattern is not established. Late summer, early fall disease.

PATHOLOGY:

    Infection with E. insidiosa occurs in worldwide distribution in a variety of animals, especially hogs. This is an occupational disease. Infection in man follows skin abrasions from contact with fish, shellfish, meat and poultry. The infection, called erysipeloid, is limited to the skin (mainly hands and fingers). There are pain, edema and purplish erythema with sharp irregular margins which extends peripherally but clears centrally. Relapses and extensions of the lesions to distant areas are common, but there is no fever. Rare cases of endocarditis have occurred. There is no permanent immunity following an attack. Self limiting.

DIAGNOSIS:

    Isolation of organism in culture from biopsy material. Typical clinical appearance in a person with occupational exposure is highly suggestive of infection due to this organism. Bacteria are deep in corium, about capillaries.

TREATMENT:     Penicillin G
                            Erythromycin
                            Cefazolin (for endocarditis)