Erysipelothrix

A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Erysipelothrix

Classification

Higher order taxa

Bacteria; Firmicutes; Mollicutes; Anaeroplasmatales; Erysipelotrichidae; Erysipelothrix

Species

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Erysipelothrix tonsillarum, Erysipelothrix inopinata

Description and significance

Erysipelothrix are pathogenic bacteria that infect over 50 animal species, specifically domesticated pigs. There are three species: Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, E. Tonsillarum, and E. inopinata, each of which varies in its virulence between its two different strains. The smooth strain of each species is pathogenic, while the rough is not. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was first isolated by Koch in 1876. This was the only known species until a subsequent species was discovered in the tonsils of apparently healthy pigs. This new species was named E. Tonsillarum. The third species, Erysipelothrix inopinata was first isolated in the course of sterile filtration of vegetable peptone broth.

Genome structure

The USDA Microbial Genomics Stakeholder Workshop for Animal Health and Food Safety Pathogens considered sequencing Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae as a swine pathogen. Sequence results are pending.

Cell structure and metabolism

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

Ecology

Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.

Pathology

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

Current Research

Enter summarries of the most rescent research here--at least three required

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.

Edited by student of Dr. Kirk Bartholomew