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[Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteremia after dog bite]
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|July 7, 1997
Summary
A case of erysipeloid with bacteremia caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (ER) was successfully treated with penicillin V. This infection, likely from a dog bite, occurred without endocarditis complications in a healthy man.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (ER) is a facultative anaerobic gram-negative bacterium known to cause erysipeloid in humans.
- Bacteremia due to ER is rare, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.
- Zoonotic transmission, including animal bites, is a recognized route of ER infection.
Observation:
- A previously healthy 41-year-old male presented with symptoms of erysipeloid.
- The patient reported a history of a dog bite preceding the onset of symptoms.
- Blood cultures confirmed the presence of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteremia.
Findings:
- The patient received treatment with penicillin V, demonstrating a positive clinical response.
- The ER bacteremia resolved without the development of serious complications such as endocarditis.
- This case highlights the successful management of ER bacteremia with a standard antibiotic regimen.
Implications:
- Penicillin V remains an effective treatment option for Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteremia.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent severe complications, even in cases of bacteremia.
- Physicians should consider zoonotic sources, like animal bites, in the differential diagnosis of erysipeloid and related infections.