Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

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The Gram Stain results of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, which stained positive. Image credit: Microbe Canvas.

Classification

Bacteria; Bacillota; Erysipelotrichia; Erysipelotrichales; Erysipelotrichaceae; Erysipelothrix.

Species

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae: [1]

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

Description and Significance

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a gram-positive bacteria, and is also in the shape of a rod. It is found predominantly in soil and water that has been infected by an animal containing the bacteria. One of the primary animals susceptible to it are pigs. This bacteria has a longer lifespan and can live for weeks in soil or animal matter. This is all important to not only protect animals from it, but humans as well. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is zootonic which means it can jump from animals to humans. In humans, the bacteria can cause many infections. One being Erysipeloid, which results in a rash typically on the hands but can be contracted on any part of the body. The rash turns purple and red and is accompanied by swelling. Being able to safely manage this bacteria is important for the health of humans.

Genome Structure

The genome of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is approximately 1,787,941 base pairs in size, though this can vary by strain. It consists of a single circular chromosome. A notable feature is its production of H2S, aiding its survival within a host. The bacterium is also characterized by its low mobility. The genome contains virulence genes, which enhance its ability to invade hosts, and metabolic genes that allow it to adapt to different environments. Complete sequencing of strains Sy1027 and Fujisawa has provided valuable insights into the bacterium's characteristics.

Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a gram-positive, non-spore-forming, and non-acid-fast bacteria. Physically, it is a rod-shaped bacillus. It mainly relies on fermentation for energy and can produce acid from glucose, fructose, galactose, and lactose, but not from maltose, xylose, and mannitol. During its life, it is a pathogen or a commensal that lives in the wild in domestic animals, mostly fish and birds. Its virulence is assisted by a heat-labile capsule that produces H₂S.

Ecology and Pathogenesis

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a geographically diverse bacteria, one that is found in both marine and terrestrial life. E. rhusiopathiae has a parasitic symbiotic relationship, although there are cases where the infection of E. rhusiopathiae leads to a fatal outcome for the host (predatory symbiotic relationship).

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is an organism that causes disease, specifically being an opportunistic pathogen. E. rhusiopathiae is known to infect both humans and animals, with the animals being both marine and terrestrial. When a human host is infected, they showcase symptoms of erythematous skin lesions (erysipeloids). Infections of the bacteria are typically associated with a person’s occupation, specifically one dealing with the processing of live animals for food production. E. rhusiopathiae is known for infecting large populations of swine, causing economic lost due to the multitude of fatal infections within this and other animal populations.

References

- Microbe Canvas. "Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae." Dept. Medical Microbiology and Infectious diseases.

- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4906694/ Forde, T., Biek, R., Zadoks, R., Workentine, M., De Buck, J., Kutz, S., Opriessnig, T., Trewby, H., van der Meer, F., Orsel, K. "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". BMC Genomics. 2016. Volume 17. p. 461.]

- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/erysipelothrix-rhusiopathiae#:~:text=and%20clinical%20importance-,Erysipelothrix%20rhusiopathiae%20is%20a%20facultative%20anaerobic%2C%20Gram%2Dpositive%20bacillus.,erysipelas%2Dlike%20syndrome%20in%20pigs. Prod'hom, G., Bille, J., Gillespie, S., Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. ScienceDirect. Infectious Diseases (Fourth Edition). 2017. P. 1537-1552.e2.

- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3133210/ Ogawa Y, Ooka T, Shi F, Ogura Y, Nakayama K, Hayashi T, Shimoji Y. The genome of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, the causative agent of swine erysipelas, reveals new insights into the evolution of firmicutes and the organism's intracellular adaptations. J Bacteriol. 2011 Jun;193(12):2959-71. doi: 10.1128/JB.01500-10. Epub 2011 Apr 8. PMID: 21478354; PMCID: PMC3133210.

- https://dermnetnz.org/topics/erysipeloid Nagan, V., Erysipeloid. DermNet. 2014

Author

Page authored by Isabelle Oberdorf, Makayla Watson, Keanna Teodoro, & Jacqui Olsen, students of Prof. Bradley Tolar at UNC Wilmington.