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

Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Ecology and Pathogenesis

Habitat; symbiosis; biogeochemical significance; contributions to environment.

If relevant, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

[https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC358129/#:~:text=Erysipelothrix%20rhusiopathiae%20is%20a%20nonsporulating,of%20mammals%20and%20other%20animals.

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

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3133210/

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.

https://dermnetnz.org/topics/erysipeloid

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.

Author

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