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A dangerous hobby? Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteremia most probably acquired from freshwater aquarium fish

E Asimaki1, O Nolte2, G Overesch3

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, Rorschacher Str. 95, 9007, St. Gallen, Switzerland. helenasimaki@gmail.com.

Infection
|November 23, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, a bacterium known for causing swine erysipelas, can infect humans, often through occupational exposure. This case highlights a rare instance of bacteremia linked to handling home freshwater aquariums.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Zoonosis

Background:

  • Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a Gram-positive bacterium prevalent in nature.
  • It is a common cause of swine erysipelas in veterinary medicine.
  • Human infections are infrequent, typically resulting from occupational zoonotic transmission.

Observation:

  • A case of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteremia is reported.
  • The infection was likely associated with handling a home freshwater aquarium.
  • Transmission may have occurred via a cut from a dead pet fish's fin.

Findings:

  • This report details a rare instance of human E. rhusiopathiae bacteremia.
  • The likely transmission route involved contact with a freshwater aquarium pet.
  • The study reviews clinical presentations and treatment challenges for human infections.

Implications:

  • Highlights a potential non-occupational zoonotic transmission route for E. rhusiopathiae.
  • Emphasizes the need for awareness of E. rhusiopathiae risks in non-traditional settings like home aquariums.
  • Underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of rare bacterial infections.
Keywords:
BacteremiaEndocarditisErysipelothrix rhusiopathiaeFishFreshwater aquarium

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