Erysipeloid: a review

Bloodstream Infection Caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in an Immunocompetent Patient

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a facultative anaerobe Gram-positive bacillus, which is considered a zoonotic pathogen. E. rhusiopathiae causes erysipeloid, mainly in occupational groups such as veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers, farmers, and fishermen. Two cutaneous forms (localised and generalised) and a septicaemic form have been described. Here, we report the isolation of a strain of E. rhusiopathiae from a 56-year-old immunocompetent obese male admitted to Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Pavia (Italy). Blood cultures were collected and Gram-positive bacilli were observed. E. rhusiopathiae grew and was identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed and interpreted with EUCAST breakpoints (PK-PD). The strain was susceptible to all the antibiotics tested, while it was intrinsically resistant to vancomycin. The clinical diagnosis of E. rhusiopathiae can be challenging, due to the broad spectrum of symptoms and potential side effects, including serious systemic infections such as heart diseases. In the case described, bacteraemia caused by E. rhusiopathiae was detected in a immunocompetent patient. Bacteraemia caused by E. rhusiopathiae is rare in immunocompetent people and blood cultures were proven to be essential for the diagnosis and underdiagnosis of this pathogen, which is possible due to its resemblance to other clinical manifestations.

Fingertip Infections

The fingertip is the interface between humans and the world, including the various thorns, dirty needles, and other hazards to be found there. It is unsurprising that this is the site where hand infections most frequently occur. Although commonly encountered by hand surgeons and other physicians, fingertip infections have several mimics, and diagnosis and management is not always straightforward. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to success. As with all infections, they are more common and are more aggressive in immunosuppressed patients. This article reviews fingertip anatomy, common and uncommon fingertip infections and their mimics, and recommendations for management.

Pathology, microbiology, and genetic diversity associated with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and novel Erysipelothrix spp. infections in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)

Erysipelothrix spp., including E. rhusiopathiae, are zoonotic bacterial pathogens that can cause morbidity and mortality in mammals, fish, reptiles, birds, and humans. The southern sea otter (SSO; Enhydra lutris nereis) is a federally-listed threatened species for which infectious disease is a major cause of mortality. We estimated the frequency of detection of these opportunistic pathogens in dead SSOs, described pathology associated with Erysipelothrix infections in SSOs, characterized the genetic diversity and antimicrobial susceptibility of SSO isolates, and evaluated the virulence of two novel Erysipelothrix isolates from SSOs using an in vivo fish model. From 1998 to 2021 Erysipelothrix spp. were isolated from six of >500 necropsied SSOs. Erysipelothrix spp. were isolated in pure culture from three cases, while the other three were mixed cultures. Bacterial septicemia was a primary or contributing cause of death in five of the six cases. Other pathology observed included suppurative lymphadenopathy, fibrinosuppurative arteritis with thrombosis and infarction, bilateral uveitis and endophthalmitis, hypopyon, petechia and ecchymoses, mucosal infarction, and suppurative meningoencephalitis and ventriculitis. Short to long slender Gram-positive or Gram-variable bacterial rods were identified within lesions, alone or with other opportunistic bacteria. All six SSO isolates had the spaA genotype-four isolates clustered with spaA E. rhusiopathiae strains from various terrestrial and marine animal hosts. Two isolates did not cluster with any known Erysipelothrix spp.; whole genome sequencing revealed a novel Erysipelothrix species and a novel E. rhusiopathiae subspecies. We propose the names Erysipelothrix enhydrae sp. nov. and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae ohloneorum ssp. nov. respectively. The type strains are E. enhydrae UCD-4322-04 and E. rhusiopathiae ohloneorum UCD-4724-06, respectively. Experimental injection of tiger barbs (Puntigrus tetrazona) resulted in infection and mortality from the two novel Erysipelothrix spp. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Erysipelothrix isolates from SSOs shows similar susceptibility profiles to isolates from other terrestrial and aquatic animals. This is the first description of the pathology, microbial characteristics, and genetic diversity of Erysipelothrix isolates recovered from diseased SSOs. Methods presented here can facilitate case recognition, aid characterization of Erysipelothrix isolates, and illustrate assessment of virulence using fish models.

An Update in Knowledge of Pigs as the Source of Zoonotic Pathogens

The available data indicate that the human world population will constantly grow in the subsequent decades. This constant increase in the number of people on the Earth will lead to growth in food demand, especially in food of high nutritional value. Therefore, it is expected that the world livestock population will also increase. Such a phenomenon enhances the risk of transmitting pathogens to humans. As pig production is one of the most significant branches of the world's livestock production, zoonoses of porcine origins seem to be of particular importance. Therefore, in this review, we aim to introduce the latest data concerning, among other things, epidemiology and available preventive measures to control the most significant porcine zoonoses of viral, bacterial, and parasitic origin.

Antimicrobial Resistance of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Strains Isolated from Geese to Antimicrobials Widely Used in Veterinary Medicine

The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance of E. rhusiopathiae when isolated from clinical outbreaks of erysipelas in geese to antimicrobials commonly used in poultry production. All isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin alone or with clavulanic acid, with MIC values ranging from 0.016 to 0.125 μg/mL. Ninety-six percent of isolates were fully sensitive to penicillin G (MIC 0.125-0.5 μg/mL). All isolates were fully or moderately sensitive to erythromycin (MIC 0.125-0.5 μg/mL). Most E. rhusiopathiae isolates proved resistant to fluoroquinolones (76.6% of isolates were resistant to enrofloxacin, with MIC values ranging from 0.064 to 32 μg/mL, and 68% were resistant to norfloxacin, with MIC values ranging from 0.094 to 96 μg/mL), and tetracyclines (61.7% of isolates were resistant to doxycycline, with MIC values ranging from 0.25 to 64 μg/mL, and 63.8% were resistant to tetracycline, with MIC values ranging from 0.38 to 256 μg/mL). Point mutations in the gyrA gene (responsible for fluoroquinolone resistance) and the presence of the tetM gene (responsible for tetracycline resistance) were noted in most of the resistant isolates. Multidrug resistance, defined as resistance to at least one substance in three or more antimicrobial classes, was not observed.

Human Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection via bath water – case report and genome announcement

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a facultative anaerobic, environmentally stable, Gram-positive rod that causes swine and avian erysipelas as a zoonotic pathogen. In humans, the main manifestations described are circumscribed erysipeloid, generalized erysipeloid, and endocarditis. Here, we report a 46-year-old female patient who presented to the physician because of redness and marked functio laesa of the hand, in terms of a pain-related restricted range of motion, and was treated surgically. E. rhusopathiae was detected in tissue biopsy. The source of infection was considered to be a pond in which both swine and, later, her dog bathed. The genome of the isolate was completely sequenced and especially the presumptive virulence associated factors as well as the presumptive antimicrobial resistance genes, in particular a predicted homologue to the multiple sugar metabolism regulator (MsmR), several predicted two-component signal transduction systems, three predicted hemolysins, two predicted neuraminidases, three predicted hyaluronate lyases, the surface protective antigen SpaA, a subset of predicted enzymes that potentially confer resistance to reactive oxygen species (ROS), several predicted phospholipases that could play a role in the escape from phagolysosomes into host cell cytoplasm as well as a predicted vancomycin resistance locus (vex23-vncRS) and three predicted MATE efflux transporters were investigated in more detail.

Cellulitis: A Review of Current Practice Guidelines and Differentiation from Pseudocellulitis

Cellulitis, an infection involving the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue, is the most common reason for skin-related hospitalization and is seen by clinicians across various disciplines in the inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room settings, but it can present as a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Cellulitis is a clinical diagnosis based on the history of present illness and physical examination and lacks a gold standard for diagnosis. Clinical presentation with acute onset of redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness and pain is typical. However, cellulitis can be difficult to diagnose due to a number of infectious and non-infectious clinical mimickers such as venous stasis dermatitis, contact dermatitis, eczema, lymphedema, and erythema migrans. Microbiological diagnosis is often unobtainable due to poor sensitivity of culture specimens. The majority of non-purulent, uncomplicated cases of cellulitis are caused by β-hemolytic streptococci or methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, and appropriate targeted coverage of this pathogen with oral antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and cephalexin is sufficient. Even with rising rates of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, coverage for non-purulent cellulitis is generally not recommended.

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

INTRODUCTION

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.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

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.

Erysipelothrix bacteremia; is endocarditis a rule?

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a Gram-positive bacillus, a zoonotic pathogen rarely causing human infections ranging from localized skin infections to invasive infections such as endocarditis. In this report, we present two cases of Erysipelothrix bacteremia. The first case is a native valve tricuspid endocarditis, which is a highly unusual valve to be involved. The second case is bacteremia, probably secondary to a minor skin breach, which did not involve heart valves. Erysipelothrix bacteremia is considered highly associated with infective endocarditis and a high mortality rate, which could be a bias due to underreporting of Erysipelothrix bacteremia without endocarditis. Erysipelothrix is intrinsically resistant to vancomycin, the first-line agent for Gram-positive bacteremia. Both the patients in this report were treated successfully with ceftriaxone.

Osteoarticular Infections Caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae: Case Report and Literature Review

We present a case of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae spondylodiscitis in an otherwise healthy man, occurring 1 year after exposure. The patient was cured after 6 weeks of treatment with amoxicillin followed by ciprofloxacin without surgery. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae can cause severe osteoarticular infections with a delayed presentation following exposure to the pathogen.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection by geese to human transmission

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae transmission to human is often occupation-related, but in most cases, a detailed case history is missing. This case report is based on an interdisciplinary approach and includes a thorough medical record. A 58-year-old laboratory technician working on geese necropsy cut open her glove at a rib fragment of a goose and subsequently noticed a slowly progressive, reddish skin alteration in the particular region of the hand. Bacteriological investigations on the geese revealed septicaemia due to E. rhusiopathiae and therefore substantiated the diagnosis of the patient. The infectious agent could not be cultured from the patient; however, antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the goose isolate. An entire follow-up until full recovery of the patient was conducted. Zoonotic infections possibly have a significant impact on certain occupations. This case report analyses a rare but important zoonotic infection to create awareness of this in physicians caring for human patients.

Fingertip Infections

The fingertip is the most common site of infections in the hand, which frequently are encountered by surgeons, dermatologists, and emergency and primary providers. Their mismanagement may have serious consequences. This review discusses the unique anatomy of the volar fingertip pulp and perionychium and reviews pathophysiology and treatment of acute and chronic paronychia, including the decision for surgical versus medical management, choice of antibiotics, incisional techniques, and postincisional care. Felons and the evidence regarding their management are reviewed. Several infectious, rheumatologic, and oncologic conditions that may mimic common fingertip infections and about which the managing provider must be aware are presented.

An Unusual Case of Tricuspid Valve Infective Endocarditis Caused by Erysipelothrix Rhusiopathiae

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is an omnipresent commensal in the environment, studied for over a century. It is a zoonotic pathogen known to cause infections in animals and humans. Cases of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in humans have been classified into three distinct entities: localized skin infections, diffuse skin infections, and systemic organ involvement. This particular pathogen is an uncommon cause of endocarditis, with an affinity for the aortic valve. We present a case of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in a patient with involvement of the tricuspid valve.

Erysipeloid lesions caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in a dog: clinical and histopathological findings, molecular diagnosis and treatment

BACKGROUND

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a widespread Gram-positive, nonsporulating rod bacterium predominantly associated with skin disease in swine and cetaceans. Cutaneous lesions have yet to be described in dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical presentation, molecular and histopathological diagnosis, and treatment of a case of erysipeloid caused by E. rhusiopathiae in a dog.

ANIMALS

A 6-month-old spayed female standard poodle dog presented with lethargy, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. Skin lesions appeared 20 days post first examination.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, urinalysis, urine culture, blood culture, computed topography, forelimb radiography, joint and cerebrospinal fluid aspiration were performed; samples were collected for skin cytological evaluation, culture and histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

Blood cultures yielded Gram-positive, catalase-negative bacilli. Histopathological evaluation of skin biopsies revealed lymphoplasmacytic, neutrophilic and histiocytic perivascular and periadnexal dermatitis, and vasculitis. Cutaneous and blood PCR and sequencing of 16S rRNA identified the bacteria as E. rhusiopathiae. Clinical resolution was observed following the use of of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and ciprofloxacin therapies.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first confirmed case of erysipeloid caused by E. rhusiopathiae in a dog. Clinical resolution was attained with the extended use of antibiotics. After 13 months, no clinical signs had returned.

Erysipelas vaccination protocols in dolphins Tursiops truncatus evaluated by antibody responses over twenty continuous years

Erysipelas is an infection caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae that affects many different species around the world, including cetaceans. The acute septicemic form can rapidly cause death in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus. The ultimate goals of this long-term study were the development and identification of the most effective vaccination protocol against clinical erysipelas in T. truncatus using a commercially available swine vaccine, and to determine whether there is a need for a semi-annual vaccination versus an annual vaccination. The present study concentrated on the immunization of a dolphin population (7 wild-born and 22 captive-born individuals) with 2 swine vaccines, the European 'Eurovac Ery®' vaccine and the American 'ER Bac Plus®' vaccine, and immunological profile results over a 20-yr time period. The general protocol was a primo-vaccination (between 3 and 7 mo of age for calves) with or without a booster 1 mo post primo-vaccination and either annual or semi-annual vaccination thereafter. Sera were collected prior to vaccination, 2 wk post-vaccination and monthly. A dolphin-specific ELISA was developed to analyze the erysipelas-specific antibody response of vaccinated animals. The final ELISA results (n = 1362 samples from 29 animals at pre- and post-vaccination time) suggest that (1) there is a significant difference in antibody levels at the start of the vaccination between older and younger animals; (2) at least 3 vaccinations are necessary to obtain antibody levels above the levels at pre-vaccination; (3) thereafter, annual vaccinations seem sufficient to keep antibody levels above the levels at pre-vaccination; and (4) both vaccines induced similar responses. No case of erysipelas infection was observed in this population during the study.

An unusual case of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae prosthetic joint infection from the Canadian Arctic: whole genome sequencing unable to identify a zoonotic source

Background

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a zoonotic pathogen that causes erysipeloid and is most frequently associated with exposure to domestic swine. Infection of native and prosthetic joints is a rarely reported manifestation.

Case presentation

We describe a case of E. rhusiopathiae prosthetic joint infection in a woman with a history of exposure to wild animals in the Canadian Arctic. Patient management involved a 1-stage surgical revision exchange with an antibiotic impregnated cement spacer and 6 weeks of intravenous penicillin G followed by 6 weeks of oral amoxicillin. Ten previously reported cases of E. rhusiopathiae joint infection are reviewed. Recent increases in mortality due to infection with this organism among host animal populations in the Canadian Arctic have generated concern regarding a potential increase in human infections. However, whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the organism was unable to identify a zoonotic origin for this case.

Conclusions

Consideration should be given to E. rhusiopathiae as a cause of joint infections if the appropriate epidemiologic and host risk factors exist. Expanded use of WGS in other potential animal hosts and environmental sources may provide important epidemiologic information in determining the source of human infections.

An Update on the Treatment and Management of Cellulitis

Cellulitis and erysipelas are local soft tissue infections that occur following the entry of bacteria through a disrupted skin barrier. These infections are relatively common and early diagnosis is essential to treatment success. As dermatologists, we need to be familiar with the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of these infections. In this article, we provide a review of the literature and update on clinical manifestations, predisposing factors, microbiology, diagnosis, treatment, and complications. We also review the current situation in Chile.

Conservation Implications of Shifting Gut Microbiomes in Captive-Reared Endangered Voles Intended for Reintroduction into the Wild

The Amargosa vole is a highly endangered rodent endemic to a small stretch of the Amargosa River basin in Inyo County, California. It specializes on a single, nutritionally marginal food source in nature. As part of a conservation effort to preserve the species, a captive breeding population was established to serve as an insurance colony and a source of individuals to release into the wild as restored habitat becomes available. The colony has successfully been maintained on commercial diets for multiple generations, but there are concerns that colony animals could lose gut microbes necessary to digest a wild diet. We analyzed feces from colony-reared and recently captured wild-born voles on various diets, and foregut contents from colony and wild voles. Unexpectedly, fecal microbial composition did not greatly differ despite drastically different diets and differences observed were mostly in low-abundance microbes. In contrast, colony vole foregut microbiomes were dominated by Allobaculum sp. while wild foreguts were dominated by Lactobacillus sp. If these bacterial community differences result in beneficial functional differences in digestion, then captive-reared Amargosa voles should be prepared prior to release into the wild to minimize or eliminate those differences to maximize their chance of success.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Suppurative Arthritis in a 12-year-old Boy After an Unusual Fresh Water Exposure

We report the case of a 12-year-old boy who experienced recurrent suppurative arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint after near simultaneous exposure to a frog, a dog bite and lake water. Anaerobic cultures of synovial fluid obtained during operative debridement grew small round gray colonies ultimately identified as Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae by routine laboratory tests and mass spectrometry.

Bacterial Genomics Reveal the Complex Epidemiology of an Emerging Pathogen in Arctic and Boreal Ungulates

Northern ecosystems are currently experiencing unprecedented ecological change, largely driven by a rapidly changing climate. Pathogen range expansion, and emergence and altered patterns of infectious disease, are increasingly reported in wildlife at high latitudes. Understanding the causes and consequences of shifting pathogen diversity and host-pathogen interactions in these ecosystems is important for wildlife conservation, and for indigenous populations that depend on wildlife. Among the key questions are whether disease events are associated with endemic or recently introduced pathogens, and whether emerging strains are spreading throughout the region. In this study, we used a phylogenomic approach to address these questions of pathogen endemicity and spread for Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, an opportunistic multi-host bacterial pathogen associated with recent mortalities in arctic and boreal ungulate populations in North America. We isolated E. rhusiopathiae from carcasses associated with large-scale die-offs of muskoxen in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, and from contemporaneous mortality events and/or population declines among muskoxen in northwestern Alaska and caribou and moose in western Canada. Bacterial genomic diversity differed markedly among these locations; minimal divergence was present among isolates from muskoxen in the Canadian Arctic, while in caribou and moose populations, strains from highly divergent clades were isolated from the same location, or even from within a single carcass. These results indicate that mortalities among northern ungulates are not associated with a single emerging strain of E. rhusiopathiae, and that alternate hypotheses need to be explored. Our study illustrates the value and limitations of bacterial genomic data for discriminating between ecological hypotheses of disease emergence, and highlights the importance of studying emerging pathogens within the broader context of environmental and host factors.

Genomic analysis of the multi-host pathogen Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae reveals extensive recombination as well as the existence of three generalist clades with wide geographic distribution

Background

Knowledge about how bacterial populations are structured is an important prerequisite for studying their ecology and evolutionary history and facilitates inquiry into host specificity, pathogenicity, geographic dispersal and molecular epidemiology. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is an opportunistic pathogen that is currently reemerging in both the swine and poultry industries globally. This bacterium sporadically causes mortalities in captive marine mammals, and has recently been implicated in large-scale wildlife die-offs. However, despite its economic relevance and broad geographic and host distribution, including zoonotic potential, the global diversity, recombination rates, and population structure of this bacterium remain poorly characterized. In this study, we conducted a broad-scale genomic comparison of E. rhusiopathiae based on a diverse collection of isolates in order to address these knowledge gaps.

Results

Eighty-three E. rhusiopathiae isolates from a range of host species and geographic origins, isolated between 1958 and 2014, were sequenced and assembled using both reference-based mapping and de novo assembly. We found that a high proportion of the core genome (58 %) had undergone recombination. Therefore, we used three independent methods robust to the presence of recombination to define the population structure of this species: a phylogenetic tree based on a set of conserved protein sequences, in silico chromosome painting, and network analysis. All three methods were broadly concordant and supported the existence of three distinct clades within the species E. rhusiopathiae. Although we found some evidence of host and geographical clustering, each clade included isolates from diverse host species and from multiple continents.

Conclusions

Using whole genome sequence data, we confirm recent suggestions that E. rhusiopathiae is a weakly clonal species that has been shaped extensively by homologous recombination. Despite frequent recombination, we can reliably identify three distinct clades that do not clearly segregate by host species or geographic origin. Our results provide an essential baseline for future molecular epidemiological, ecological and evolutionary studies of E. rhusiopathiae and facilitate comparisons to other recombinogenic, multi-host bacteria.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2643-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Erysipelothrix Rhusiopathiae Bacteremia without Endocarditis: Rapid Identification from Positive Blood Culture by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry. A Case Report and Literature Review

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a Gram-positive bacillus that is infrequently responsible for infections in humans. Three forms have been classified: a localized cutaneous form (erysipeloid) caused by traumatic penetration of E. rhusiopathiae, a generalized cutaneous form and a septicemic form. The latter type of disease has been previously associated with a high incidence of endocarditis. Here we report a case of E. rhusiopathiae bacteremia in a 74-year-old man, probably started from an erysipeloid form, in which endocarditis did not develop. This case presents some particular and uncommon features: i) no correlation with animal source; ii) correlation between bacteremia and erysipeloid lesion; iii) absence of endocarditis. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry allowed to obtain a rapid identification (within 4 hours from bottle positivity) of E. rhusiopathiae. Together with direct antimicrobial susceptibility testing, this approach could improve the rate of appropriate therapy for bloodstream infections due to this fastidious pathogen.

Genomic and metagenomic analysis of microbes in a soil environment affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake tsunami

BACKGROUND

The Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 triggered large tsunami waves, which flooded broad areas of land along the Pacific coast of eastern Japan and changed the soil environment drastically. However, the microbial characteristics of tsunami-affected soil at the genomic level remain largely unknown. In this study, we isolated microbes from a soil sample using general low-nutrient and seawater-based media to investigate microbial characteristics in tsunami-affected soil.

RESULTS

As expected, a greater proportion of strains isolated from the tsunami-affected soil than the unaffected soil grew in the seawater-based medium. Cultivable strains in both the general low-nutrient and seawater-based media were distributed in the genus Arthrobacter. Most importantly, whole-genome sequencing of four of the isolated Arthrobacter strains revealed independent losses of siderophore-synthesis genes from their genomes. Siderophores are low-molecular-weight, iron-chelating compounds that are secreted for iron uptake; thus, the loss of siderophore-synthesis genes indicates that these strains have adapted to environments with high-iron concentrations. Indeed, chemical analysis confirmed the investigated soil samples to be rich in iron, and culture experiments confirmed weak cultivability of some of these strains in iron-limited media. Furthermore, metagenomic analyses demonstrated over-representation of denitrification-related genes in the tsunami-affected soil sample, as well as the presence of pathogenic and marine-living genera and genes related to salt-tolerance.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, the present results would provide an example of microbial characteristics of soil disturbed by the tsunami, which may give an insight into microbial adaptation to drastic environmental changes. Further analyses on microbial ecology after a tsunami are envisioned to develop a deeper understanding of the recovery processes of terrestrial microbial ecosystems.

A combinational approach of multilocus sequence typing and other molecular typing methods in unravelling the epidemiology of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae strains from poultry and mammals

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infections re-emerged as a matter of great concern particularly in the poultry industry. In contrast to porcine isolates, molecular epidemiological traits of avian E. rhusiopathiae isolates are less well known. Thus, we aimed to (i) develop a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme for E. rhusiopathiae, (ii) study the congruence of strain grouping based on pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and MLST, (iii) determine the diversity of the dominant immunogenic protein SpaA, and (iv) examine the distribution of genes putatively linked with virulence among field isolates from poultry (120), swine (24) and other hosts (21), including humans (3). Using seven housekeeping genes for MLST analysis we determined 72 sequence types (STs) among 165 isolates. This indicated an overall high diversity, though 34.5% of all isolates belonged to a single predominant ST-complex, STC9, which grouped strains from birds and mammals, including humans, together. PFGE revealed 58 different clusters and congruence with the sequence-based MLST-method was not common. Based on polymorphisms in the N-terminal hyper-variable region of SpaA the isolates were classified into five groups, which followed the phylogenetic background of the strains. More than 90% of the isolates harboured all 16 putative virulence genes tested and only intI, encoding an internalin-like protein, showed infrequent distribution. MLST data determined E. rhusiopathiae as weakly clonal species with limited host specificity. A common evolutionary origin of isolates as well as shared SpaA variants and virulence genotypes obtained from avian and mammalian hosts indicates common reservoirs, pathogenic pathways and immunogenic properties of the pathogen.

Cutaneous Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (erysipeloid) infection in an immunocompromised child

Erysipeloid, a cutaneous infection with the gram-positive bacillus Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, is typically an occupational dermatosis seen in persons working with livestock or involved in commercial fishing (fishmongers). Other more-generalized forms of infection with this organism also exist, including a septic form usually associated with endocarditis. Many infections may be self-limited. They have rarely been reported in children or in immunocompromised patients. This microbe is sensitive to many mainstream antibiotic agents.

A case of apparent canine erysipeloid associated with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteraemia

BACKGROUND

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a Gram-positive facultative anaerobe found worldwide and is most commonly associated with skin disease in swine, while anecdotal reports of cases in dogs have been associated with endocarditis.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

Clinicians should consider systemic infectious diseases as a potential cause of erythematous skin lesions.

ANIMALS

A 5-year-old female spayed Labrador retriever presented with lethargy, anorexia and erythematous skin lesions while receiving immunosuppressive therapy for immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. Four days prior to presentation, the dog had chewed on a raw turkey carcase.

METHODS

Complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, urinalysis and blood cultures.

RESULTS

Blood cultures yielded a pure growth of E. rhusiopathiae serotype 1b. Amoxicillin 22 mg/kg orally twice daily for 2 weeks and discontinuation of azathioprine resulted in remission of fever and skin lesions.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

This report is the first documentation, to the best of the authors' knowledge, of Erysipelothrix infection, a known zoonosis, in an immunosuppressed dog, highlighting the need for infectious disease monitoring in patients receiving such therapy. This information may also help educate veterinarians to include Erysipelothrix infection as a differential diagnosis in dogs with fever and skin lesions, as well as the role of blood cultures in diagnosing this disease.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae isolates recovered from fish, a harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) and the marine environment are capable of inducing characteristic cutaneous lesions in pigs

In order to determine the diversity and pathogenicity of Erysipelothrix spp. isolates recovered from marine fish, a harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) and the marine environment, 14 isolates were characterized by genotyping, serotyping, determination of the surface protective antigen (spa) gene type and assessment of virulence in a pig bioassay. All 14 isolates were Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Isolates were determined to be of serotypes 2 (n = 3), 3 (n = 1), 4 (n = 1), 12 (n = 1), 15 (n = 1) or 21 (n = 6), and one isolate cross-reacted with serotypes 5 and 21. The spa gene analysis determined that 64.3% (n = 9) were spaA and 35.7% (n = 5) were spaB1. In pigs, 10/14 isolates induced small plaques to diamond-shaped cutaneous lesions consistent with Erysipelothrix spp. infection. The results of this study indicate that the marine E. rhusiopathiae isolates have greater genetic and antigenic diversity than pig isolates and are capable of inducing classical skin lesions in pigs.

Empyema in spinal canal in thoracic region, abscesses in paravertebral space, spondylitis: in clinical course of zoonosis Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

OBJECTIVES

Erysipelas is an animal disease caused by Gram-positive bacteria Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Among the domestic animals, domestic pig (Sus scrofa f. domestica) suffers most frequently from the disease in human environment. This is a typical animal-borne disease observed mainly in occupational groups employed in agriculture, farming (of animals and birds), fishing and manufacturing industry.

METHODS

We are presenting the clinical course of infection (E. rhusiopathiae) and discuss clinical forms. E. rhusiopathiae in humans may have the following clinical course: mild form of skin infection diagnosed as local erythema (erysipeloid), disseminated form of skin infection and the most serious form of infection of systemic course (endocarditis and sepsis). Mild skin infection and local erythema are the most common forms. Very rare case of animal-borne infection course has been presented in which after initial phase the disease was generalised to the abscesses formation in paravertebral space, spondylitis and empyema formation in spinal canal. In the presented clinical case, the patient was suffering from diabetes. It was probably an additional risk factor of the disease generalisation. Patient underwent drainage of empyema in spinal canal, after which his neurological status gradually improved. Antibiotic therapy was implemented and continued for 8 weeks. Such course of erysipelas was not previously described in the literature.

RESULTS

After therapy neurological status was improved. In follow MRI control exam empyema and spondylitis was successfully eliminated.

CONCLUSIONS

Various complications of the disease, such as endocarditis and heart valves disturbances, are well known and are the most severe complications of the generalised infection. Proper targeted and long-term antibiotic therapy is crucial.