NON SPORE GRAM POSITICE RODS. PART 2

Question 1

What does Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae cause?

Answer 1

erysipeloid

Question 2

Which individuals are commonly associated with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infections?

Answer 2

Fish handlers
Farmers
Slaughterhouse workers
Food preparation workers
Veterinarians

Question 2

What are the three categories of human disease caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae?

Answer 2

1. Localized skin lesions (erysipeloid): Lesions most commonly affect the hands.
2. Diffuse cutaneous infection with systemic symptoms
3. Bacteremia

Question 3

How does Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae appear in smears

Answer 3

In smears, E. rhusiopathiae appears as a long thin Gram-positive rod, sometimes beaded.

Question 4

What are the growth characteristics of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in culture?

Answer 4

~It is non-motile.
~It grows best on blood agar in a carbon dioxide enriched atmosphere at 30–35 ºC (also grows anaerobically).
~Small alpha-hemolytic colonies are produced (using horse blood).

Question 5

treatment of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

Answer 5

penicillin
cephalosporins
erythromycin