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 approximate size of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae's genome is 1,787,941 base pairs. However, the size can depend on the strain of the bacteria. It has one chromosome and it is circular. Another interesting feature of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is that it produces H2S, which can allow the bacteria to thrive once inside a host. It can be easily differentiated by the fact that it has little to no mobility. What we know about the sequence is that the bacteria has virulence genes. Virulence genes help the bacteria to invade the host more successfully. It also had metabolic genes that let the bacteria change and adapt to fit whatever environment it enters. Strains Sy1027 and Fujisawa have been entirely sequenced which helps us understand more about the bacteria.