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Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
Book chapter

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

Q. Wang and T.V. Riley
Molecular Medical Microbiology, pp.859-872
Academic Press
2015
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Abstract

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae causes three forms of human disease including erysipeloid, a localized cutaneous lesion, a generalized cutaneous form and a septicaemic form often associated with endocarditis. Human infection due to E. rhusiopathiae is occupationally related, principally occurring as a result of contact with contaminated animals, their products or wastes, or soil. It is a pathogen or a commensal in a wide variety of wild and domestic animals, birds and fish. Swine erysipelas caused by E. rhusiopathiae is the disease of greatest prevalence and economic importance. Various virulence factors have been suggested for the pathogen, including neuraminidase, hyaluronidase, heat-labile capsule antigens and some other surface protective antigens. Infection by the organism is possibly underdiagnosed due to the resemblance it bears to other infections, and problems encountered in isolation and identification. Apart from the conventional techniques, molecular methods have been widely used for the identification and differentiation of this pathogen.

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