Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteremia following a cat bite. (2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kobayashi, Ken-ichiro; Kawano, Tomoaki; Mizuno, Shinsuke; Kubo, Kenji; Komiya, Nobuhiro; Otsu, Satoko
• Is Part Of: IDCases. Volume 18(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019
• Subjects: Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae -- Animal bites -- Bacteremia; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Case Reports; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2019.e00631
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-2509

Abstract

Abstract: Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a major causative organism of swine erysipelas, but the infection has rarely occurred in humans. A soft-tissue infection with this organism is described as "erysipeloid." Most reported cases in human are related to occupational exposure. Endocarditis is a common complication of E. rhusiopathia e bacteremia in human. We report the case of a previously healthy 52-year-old Japanese female who presented with fever and an inflamed hand after being bitten by a stray cat. Blood culture was positive for E. rhusiopathiae, but no sign of infective endocarditis was observed. It may be prudent to consider E. rhusiopathiae infection in patients with animal bites.