Rhusiopathiae Infection Research Articles

Erysipeloid and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Bacteremia Secondary to a Crab Stab Wound: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a facultative anaerobic, nonmotile, nonspore-forming, gram-positive bacillus. It is a zoonotic pathogen that rarely infects humans but causes swine erysipelas. The disease caused by E. rhusiopathiae can manifest in the following three main forms: erysipeloid, diffuse cutaneous infections, and bacteremia with or without endocarditis. In this article, we present the case study of a healthy Chinese man who developed erysipeloid and an E. rhusiopathiae bloodstream infection after being stabbed by a crab. Additionally, we conducted a thorough review of the available literature on E. rhusiopathiae bacteremia within the past two decades and provided a summary of the key findings. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial in mitigating recurrence risk and avoiding sepsis. Understanding the risk factors for death from E. rhusiopathiae bacteremia is essential, and appropriate personal protective equipment should be used to prevent occupational exposure to this bacterium.

Clinical manifestations, associated diseases, diagnosis, and treatment of human infections caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae: a systematic review.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a bacillus that can cause cutaneous and systemic diseases in humans. Studies on the infection caused by this bacterium have been mostly done as case reports. This study aimed to systematically review E. rhusiopathiae infection cases published over the last 20 years. Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched using appropriate keywords to find relevant studies. After assessment of the studies, 57 case reports which surveyed 62 patients were included and their data were collected and analyzed. The majority of cases were adult men living in high-income countries with an animal-related job and/or a history of animal contacts. The number of cases has increased in recent years. The main underlying diseases that were associated with E. rhusiopathiae infections include hypertension, diabetes, and alcoholism. The most frequent presentations were fever, pain, local skin lesions, and heart failure/endocarditis. Two patients died, while 60 patients were recovered following antibiotic therapy, mainly with penicillin and ceftriaxone. Altogether, the results indicated that E. rhusiopathiae usually infects people who come into contact with animals and causes mild to severe local or systemic infections, especially in those who have underlying diseases. Therefore, accurate and early diagnosis of E. rhusiopathiae infections by setting up appropriate laboratory tests is required.

An unusual outbreak of erysipelas on a goat farm in Pennsylvania.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection and septicemia occurred in a 5-d old Boer goat found dead on a farm in western Pennsylvania. On autopsy, there was moderate, focally extensive hemorrhage along the remnants of the urachus and umbilical arteries and the apex of the urinary bladder. Microscopic examination of immunohistochemical stained tissues revealed abundant intracellular and extracellular E. rhusiopathiae antigen-positive bacilli in all tissues stained, including lung, heart, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney, and thymus. Bacteria isolated from liver and urachus were identified as E. rhusiopathiae by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and further confirmed by a PCR assay. An epidemiologic investigation was conducted via an on-farm questionnaire after the owners noted a 70% mortality rate from the 2019 kidding season. The epidemiologic investigation showed that E. rhusiopathiae, an opportunistic zoonotic organism, was introduced to the farm through a breach in biosecurity and was likely perpetuated among the resident poultry species.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae-induced endocarditis: a case report

Background: Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a rare zoonosis. We present a case of E. rhusiopathiae bacteremia of unknown origin complicated by endocarditis of the aortic and mitral valves. Case Presentation: A 39-year-old man presented with fatigue, diaphoresis, fevers, and substantial weight loss. Upon physical examination, a gallop rhythm of the heart was heard. Blood cultures eventually revealed an E. rhusiopathiae infection. Vegetation on the non-coronary cusp of the aortic valve and the mitral valve were seen on echocardiography. The patient was treated with intravenous penicillin for 6 weeks. Following the treatment, the non-coronary cusp was found to be prolapsed and perforated. Aortic valve regurgitation had also led to dilatation and hypertrophy of the left ventricle. Conclusion: Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a rare cause of infective endocarditis. As untreated E. rhusiopathiae can cause irreversible damage to the heart valves and death, prompt consideration of this infection is warranted in any patient at an increased risk.

Immune responses upon experimental Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection of na\xefve and vaccinated chickens

Erysipelas, a disease caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (ER), is an increasing problem in laying hens housed in cage-free systems. This study aimed to monitor immune responses during ER infection of naïve chickens and chickens vaccinated intra muscularly with a commercial inactivated ER vaccine. Chickens were infected intra muscularly with ER at 30 days of age and blood leukocyte counts, serum levels of mannose binding lectin (MBL) and ER-specific IgY were monitored until the experiment was terminated at day 15 after infection. ER was detected in blood from more chickens and at higher bacterial counts in the naïve group (day 1: 1 of 7 chickens; day 3: 6 of 6 chickens) than in the vaccinated group (day 1: 0 of 7 chickens; day 3: 1 of 6 chickens). During the acute phase of infection transient increases in circulating heterophil numbers and serum MBL levels were detected in all ER infected chickens but these responses were prolonged in chickens from the naïve group compared to vaccinated chickens. Before infection IgY titers to ER in vaccinated chickens did not differ significantly from those of naïve chickens but vaccinated chickens showed significantly increased IgY titers to ER earlier after infection compared to chickens in the naïve group. In conclusion, the ER infection elicited prompt acute innate responses in all chickens. Vaccinated chickens did not have high IgY titers to ER prior to infection but did however show lower levels of bacteraemia and their acute immune responses were of shorter duration.

Infective endocarditis due to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in a dog \u2013 a case report

BackgroundInfective endocarditis is a rare but severe condition associated with a high mortality rate in small animal patients. This condition is caused by a microbial (most often bacterial) infection of the valvular portion of the endocardium, from which proliferative and/or erosive lesions on the cardiac valves or immediately adjacent structures develop. The two most commonly affected cardiac valves are the aortic and mitral valves.Case presentationWe report the clinical case of a 4-year old male neutered Bull terrier, 27.6 kg, body condition score 4/9, that presented with a 3-months history of pyrexia and general weakness. The patient history also revealed a transient left hind limb lameness (grade 2/4), which coincided with the onset of clinical signs about 3 months before presentation. On physical examination, a left-sided systolic heart murmur (grade 3/6) with the same intensity at the left heart base and apex, and an irregularly irregular heart rhythm were noted. Electrocardiography showed ventricular premature complexes, and echocardiography revealed lesions consistent with endocarditis involving the aortic and mitral valve. Bacterial culture of blood yielded a positive result, and the organism isolated was identified as Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. The extended patient history revealed that the dog lived close to a farm housing pigs and other livestock.ConclusionWe report a rare case of the premortal diagnosis of infective bacterial endocarditis in a dog due to E. rhusiopathiae infection. Most reports about this condition are from necropsy series. This clinical case report emphasizes that E. rhusiopathiae infection and bacteremia should be considered as a differential diagnosis in dogs with suspected infective endocarditis, especially in dogs living in rural areas with access to livestock and particularly farm pigs. Also, particular emphasis should be placed on the zoonotic potential of this infectious disease.

A case of panophthalmitis with orbital cellulitis related to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a zoonotic pathogen that rarely causes infection in humans. Human infection occurs as a result of either contact with animals, their meat products, or waste. The septicaemic form of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection can subsequently lead to complications which include endocarditis, intracranial abscess, liver abscess, and in this case, panophthalmitis. The incidence of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection however, may be under-diagnosed due the resemblance it bears to other bacteria. Here we report a case of panophthalmitis in a 57-year-old Malay woman with no previous medical illness caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, which rarely causes ocular infection.

Use of the rSpaA415 antigen indicates low rates of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection in farmed cattle from the United States of America and Great Britain

BackgroundClinical cases of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, a zoonotic gram-positive bacterium, have been reported in many ruminant species, including in cattle, deer, moose and muskoxen. Fatal cases have been repeatedly reported in cattle over the years but to date there is only one Japanese study investigating the seroprevalence of this bacterium in cattle using the growth agglutination test (GAT). This technique is subjective, time-consuming, expensive and hazardous compared to modern serological tests such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) or the newly developed fluorescent microbead-based immunoassays (FMIA).ResultsThe FMIA based on the surface protein SpaA (rSpaA415) antigen of E. rhusiopathiae developed in this study had an almost perfect agreement with the GAT (k = 0.83) and showed a sensitivity of 89.7% and a specificity of 92.9% when compared to the GAT. Overall, detection rates of E. rhusiopathiae antibody positive samples were 13.8% (51/370) in British herds and 6% (12/200) in US herds. Positive cattle were present in 34.3% (24/70) of the investigated British farms and in 34.7% (8/23) of the US farms with an on-farm prevalence of 7.1 to 100% for the British farms and 8.3–30% for the US farms.ConclusionsFMIA is a fast, safe and economic alternative to the GAT for the diagnosis of E. rhusiopathiae in cattle. This work is the first seroprevalence study of E. rhusiopathiae in healthy farmed cattle in Great Britain and the US and revealed that infection occurs at a low level. Further investigations to evaluate risks of zoonotic transmission when handling cattle are needed.

Erysipelothrix Septicaemia and Hepatitis in a Colony of Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti)

This report describes an outbreak of erysipelas in a colony of captive Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti). The only previously reported case in a related species was of an individual little blue penguin (Eudyptula minor). Five Humboldt penguins in a mixed colony displayed non-specific signs of illness, including lethargy, inappetence and regurgitation after movement for exhibit upgrading. There was no improvement after 5 days of treatment with oral enrofloxacin (10mg/kg q24h). Four Humboldt penguins, including two that were not part of the original five displaying signs of illness, died during this outbreak and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was cultured from organ samples collected post mortem. Oral clavulanic acid/amoxycillin (125mg/kg q12h) was added to the treatment of the sick Humboldt penguins, as well as itraconazole (8.5mg/kg q12h) and silymarin (10mg/kg q24h) for 10 days (both per os), which resolved their clinical signs. The likely source of E. rhusiopathiae was the fish they were fed, but this could not be confirmed. Another contributing factor to the growth of E. rhusiopathiae in the exhibit pool was the increase in water temperature due to a fault in the water circulating system. The temperature of the pool water had increased to 29°C, which was rectified, and the water temperature decreased to 13°C. However, there was one further Humboldt penguin death after the decrease in water temperature. This episode suggests that E. rhusiopathiae infection should be high on the differential list of piscivorous avian species with non-specific clinical signs. A liver biopsy for bacterial culture and sensitivity may be required for definitive diagnosis.

A report of swine erysipelas infection in an organised farm in Kerala

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is an established animal pathogen causing erysipelas in animals and occasionally it causes zoonotic skin infections in humans, known as erysipeloid. The present study was aimed to investigate the cause of sudden mortality in a batch of gilts in an organised farm in Thrissur district of Kerala. The heart swabs and tissue samples (spleen, liver, lungs, and heart) collected during post-mortem examination yielded growth of small Gram positive, non-capsulated, spore forming pleomorphic bacilli. Based on cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics, these isolates were identified as E. rhusiopathiae. Furthermore, the isolates were subjected to Erysipelothrix specific 16S rRNA based polymerase chain reaction. The isolates were sequenced for further confirmation. The isolates were confirmed as E. rhusiopathiae by phenotypic and genotypic characterisation. Timely diagnosis of the disease helped to identify the possible source of infection. This study highlights the importance of timely identification of E. rhusiopathiae infection in an outbreak; thereby adequate strategies can be implemented to control the infection.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae: An Important Cause of Bacterial Disease in Farmed Pigs and an Occupational Pathogen of Humans

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a Gram-positive bacillus that is found ubiquitously in the environment. It is known to colonise a wide range of animals, most commonly farmed pigs, turkeys and hens, in which it can cause pathology. The disease swine erysipelas affects growing pigs, significantly impacting pork production, and so its early detection and control is economically important. Infection of humans with E. rhusiopathiae is primarily associated with occupational exposure and most often results in a localised skin infection called erysipeloid. More severe infections can cause serious illness and even death in both animals and humans. The accurate identification of E. rhusiopathiae is often dependent on the inclusion in the clinical history of relevant information regarding exposure. Since the bacterium is often mistaken for other species of Grampositive bacillus this ensures that appropriate differential tests are required. There are confirmed cases of E. rhusiopathiae infection in individuals with no reported animal exposure so it is possible that there are other modes of transmission. Regarding treatment regimens, E. rhusiopathiae is intrinsically resistant to vancomycin but susceptible to penicillins and carbapenems.

Identification of serovar 1a, 1b, 2, and 5 strains of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae by a conventional gel-based PCR

Among the four species of the genus Erysipelothrix, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is the main species that causes disease in swine and poultry and has also been isolated from human patients. Recently, E. rhusiopathiae infections in domesticated animals have increased in many countries and are also the cause of emerging wildlife disease in arctic and boreal ecosystems. Historically, E. rhusiopathiae has been differentiated from other Erysipelothrix species by their serovars, which are determined based on cell wall antigens. Serotyping of Erysipelothrix is important, as specific E. rhusiopathiae serovars (1a, 1b, and 2) are associated with disease in pigs, poultry, and humans. However, serotyping is laborious and time-consuming and requires a full set of serovar reference strains and strain-specific antiserum. In this study, to develop a conventional gel-based PCR assay that can detect the main disease-associated serovars of E. rhusiopathiae, the draft genome sequences of E. rhusiopathiae strains of serovars 1a, 1b, 2, and 5, the last of which is often isolated from wild animals, were analyzed. Primers were designed based on the serovar-specific sequences of the strains and tested for field strains isolated from extensive origins. Among two hundred and ninety-seven isolates of various serovar strains of E. rhusiopathiae and other Erysipelothrix species, the PCR assay identified serovar 1a, 1b, 2, and 5 strains of E. rhusiopathiae. This conventional gel-based PCR assay should be useful for serovar surveillance of E. rhusiopathiae isolates in domesticated and wild animals as well as in humans.

Microcrystalline Cellulose for Delivery of Recombinant Protein-Based Antigen against Erysipelas in Mice.

The study describes the development of a vaccine using microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PH-101) as a delivery carrier of recombinant protein-based antigen against erysipelas. Recombinant SpaA, surface protective protein, from a gram-positive pathogen Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was fused to a cellulose-binding domain (CBD) from Trichoderma harzianum endoglucanase II through a S3N10 peptide. The fusion protein (CBD-SpaA) was expressed in Escherichia coli and was subsequently bound to Avicel PH-101. The antigenicity of CBD-SpaA bound to the Avicel was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) assays. For the examination of its immunogenicity, groups of mice were immunized with different constructs (soluble CBD-SpaA, Avicel coated with CBD-SpaA, whole bacterin of E. rhusiopathiae (positive control), and PBS (negative control)). In two weeks after immunization, mice were challenged with 1x107 CFU of E. rhusiopathiae and Avicel coated with CBD-SpaA induced protective immunity in mice. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the feasibility of microcrystalline cellulose as the delivery system of recombinant protein subunit vaccine against E. rhusiopathiae infection in mice.

Transcription analysis of the responses of porcine heart to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (E. rhusiopathiae) is the causative agent of swine erysipelas. This microbe has caused great economic losses in China and in other countries. In this study, high-throughput cDNA microarray assays were employed to evaluate the host responses of porcine heart to E. rhusiopathiae and to gain additional insights into its pathogenesis. A total of 394 DE transcripts were detected in the active virulent E. rhusiopathiae infection group compared with the PBS group at 4 days post-infection. Moreover, 262 transcripts were upregulated and 132 transcripts were downregulated. Differentially expressed genes were involved in many vital functional classes, including inflammatory and immune responses, signal transduction, apoptosis, transport, protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, metabolic processes, chemotaxis, cell adhesion, and innate immune responses. Pathway analysis demonstrated that the most significant pathways were Chemokine signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, TLR pathway, CAMs, systemic lupus erythematosus, chemokine signaling pathway, Cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Phagosome, HTLV-I infection, Measles, Rheumatoid arthritis and natural-killer-cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The reliability of our microarray data was verified by performing quantitative real-time PCR. This study is the first to document the response of piglet heart to E. rhusiopathiae infection. The observed gene expression profile could help screen potential host agents that can reduce the prevalence of E. rhusiopathiae. The profile might also provide insights into the underlying pathological changes that occur in pigs infected with E. rhusiopathiae.

Shock caused by multidrug-resistant Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteremia: a rare case report and literature review.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection occurs in animals and humans. It manifests primarily as a local skin lesion, which can be treated with antibiotics. Systemic infection with E. rhusiopathiae is rare, with low occurrence of bacteremia. We describe a case of E. rhusiopathiae bacteremia leading to shock and rash all over the body in a 49-year-old man with a history of finger puncture by a puffer fish bone. Interestingly, the E. rhusiopathiae cultured in this patient's blood was resistant to multiple drugs, including penicillin G, vancomycin, and gentamicin. The patient was treated successfully with ertapenem and ceftriaxone. Although a few cases of E. rhusiopathiae bacteremia have been reported recently, cases of multidrug-resistant E. rhusiopathiae bacteremia are extremely rare.

English

Seasonal outbreaks of swine erysipelas have been reported in back yard pig farms in the Phek district of Nagaland, India. The alpha haemolytic isolate of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was recovered on blood agar from the clinical samples. The organisms were confirmed microscopically, biochemical analysis as well as by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of 16S rRNA gene and sequence analysis. These Nagaland isolates (KT160358, KT160359) were closely related to the type spp. E. rhusiopathiae in phylogenetic analysis and forms the same clad with Chineese isolates of swine and murine origin indicating an epidemiological link. The isolates were found to be most sensitive to oxytetracycline and responded to treatment. Swine erysipelas occurred in Phek district in a season due to sudden change of weather and temperature. Pigs exposed to such predisposing factors probably favoured to propagation of already persisted organisms in pigs. This is the first confirmed case of E. rhusiopathiae infection from the NE states of Nagaland, India. Key words: Swine erysipelas, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, pig, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Nagaland, India, Oxytetracycline.

Development of a duplex PCR for rapid detection and differentiation of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae vaccine strains and wild type strains

The differentiation of vaccine strains from wild type strains is important for disease control. A duplex PCR for rapid detection and differentiation of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae vaccine strains and wild type strains was developed based on the DNA polymerase IV gene. This duplex PCR was sensitive and specific. The detection results were coincident with that of a single nucleotide polymorphisms based PCR but the detection process was more rapid. In conclusion, this duplex PCR was a useful tool for Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infections’ differential diagnosis in China.

Evaluation of anti-Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae IgG response in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus to a commercial pig vaccine.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is the causative agent of erysipeloid in humans and of erysipelas in various animals, including bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus, in which an infection has the potential to cause peracute septicemia and death. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of using an off-label porcine (ER BAC PLUS®, Zoetis) E. rhusiopathiae bactrin in a bottlenose dolphin vaccination program by determining the anti-E. rhusiopathiae antibody levels in vaccinated dolphins over a 10 yr period. Serum samples (n = 88) were analyzed using a modified fluorescent microbead immunoassay from 54 dolphins, including 3 individuals with no history of vaccination and 51 dolphins with an average of 5 vaccinations, 3 of which had previously recovered from a natural E. rhusiopathiae infection. A mean 311-fold increase in the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody index was measured in a subsample of 10 dolphins 14 d after the first booster vaccination. Serum IgG antibody titers were influenced by number of vaccines received (r2 = 0.47, p < 0.05) but not by age, gender, history of natural infection, adverse vaccine reaction, vaccination interval or time since last vaccination. The commercial pig bacterin was deemed effective in generating humoral immunity against E. rhusiopathiae in dolphins. However, since the probability of an adverse reaction toward the vaccine was moderately correlated (p = 0.07, r2 = 0.1) with number of vaccines administered, more research is needed to determine the optimal vaccination interval.

Systemic Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection not associated with endocarditis highlighting bacteriological diagnosis difficulties Case report and literature review

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is mostly isolated in swine causing erysipelas. Human invasive infections due to E. rhusiopathiae remain poorly described and interestingly bacteraemia associated with endocarditis are a source of ineffective empirical antibiotherapy. We report a case of sepsis without endocarditis due to E. rhusiopathiae and a review of the literature.

Fluorescent microbead-based immunoassay for anti-Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae antibody detection in cetaceans.

A fluorescent microbead-based immunoassay (FMIA) for detection of anti-Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae antibodies in pigs was adapted for use in cetaceans. The FMIA was validated and adjusted using serum samples from 10 vaccinated captive bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus collected between 1 and 13 mo after immunization. The technique was then used to analyze specimens from 15 free-ranging cetaceans stranded alive on the Valencian Mediterranean coast between 2006 and 2014: 11 striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba, 3 Risso's dolphins Grampus griseus and 1 bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus. One of these wild animals was confirmed to have died from E. rhusiopathiae septicemia, but no anti-E. rhusiopathiae antibodies were detected in its serum, pericardial fluid or milk samples. Another free-ranging individual, which lacked any signs or lesions that might be indicative of E. rhusiopathiae infection, showed high fluorescence intensity similar to that measured in captive dolphins at 6-13 mo after vaccination. These results suggest that this animal underwent an E. rhusiopathiae infection several months before stranding. The findings in the present study suggest that FMIA can be useful for detecting anti-E. rhusiopathiae antibodies in cetaceans, and its application to free-ranging animals is particularly interesting because of the great value of these specimens. Furthermore, the FMIA can be multiplexed to allow the determination of up to 100 analytes per sample in a single well, thereby reducing the cost, time and sample volume needed.