Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

What is the stain and shape of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae? Are they sporing or non sporing?

Gram-positive,

slender rods,

non-spore forming

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was isolated by Robert Koch from a what in 1878

mouse

What type of hemolysis does Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae cause?

α-hemolysis

What is produced along the stab line?

H2S production along stab line

What is the primary reservoir for Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae?

swine

How do the swine get Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae ?

sewage or ground contaminated with feces

What is like really cool fun and different about a common spot for where E. rhusiopathiae can be found?

fish skin (tf)

T/F E. rhusiopathiae does not survive in the environment long

True

What are the two modes of infection for E. rhusiopathiae?

infection

scratches and wounds in the skin

What are the FOUR broad virulence factors for E. rhusiopathiae?

capsule

surface protein

Neuraminidase

Type III hypersensitivity

What is the E. rhusiopathiae capsule made out of?

acidic polysaccharide

What are the importance of surface proteins with E. rhusiopathiae?

adherence and colonization

What is the spreading factor for E. rhusiopathiae and what does it do?

Neuraminidase

break down hyaluronic acid

What does the Type III hypersensitivity induce?

arthritis ( via antigen-antibody complex)

What age of pigs typically get infected by Erysipelas?

3 months to 3 years

You have a 6 month old piglet that comes in and it is septicemic, sudden onset, high fever, rapid course. What do you think this pigs has?

acute Erysipelas

What would you see with subacute Erysipelas?

skin lesions

What would you see with chronic Erysipelas?

arthritis and endocarditis

What is the specific shape of Erysipelas skin lesions? When do they appear and disappear?

diamond

Appear on days 2 to 3 and disappear on days 4-7

If a lesion is dark purple ish to red, what does this mean?

death

What color would the skin be if you expect recovery?

Light pink to Purplish lesion

With the chronic form of Erysipelas, you can have endocarditis. Describe it do me.

Endocarditis: valvular lesions resulting from bacterial emboli

What are the clinical signs associated with Erysipelas?

fever, arthritis, and skin lesions

T/F Erysipelas recovery usually happens within 24 to 36 hours with penicillin

True

What are the TWO ways you can vaccinate for Erysipelas?

Bacterin or modified live vaccine

T/F You can vaccinate breeding stock to transfer protection to piglets

True