Genus Erysipelothrix Flashcards
(31 cards)
Describe Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.
Gram + rod that is widely distributed in animals and in the environment.
What is the primary reservoir of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae?
Tonsils of healthy pigs.
How does Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae enter the host?
Enters through a skin abrasion, multiplies to produce erysipiloid, dark red lesions.
What drugs are used to treat Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae?
Penicillin or erythromycin.
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae has __________ serological types for the ________ species.
Different, same.
Describe the transmission of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.
- Ingestion
- Via skin abrasions.
What are the virulence factors for Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae?
- Capsule
- Neuraminidase: endothelial damage.
Describe the pathogenesis of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.
Dissemination via bacteremia.
What is the common name for Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae?
Swine Erysipelas.
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is synonymous with what other name?
E. insiduosa.
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae affects mostly what kind of pigs?
Growing (approaching market weight) or adult swine.
Describe the clinical presentations of swine erysipelas.
- May be clinically inapparent
- May cause acute septicemia with high mortality
- May be subacute
- May be chronic.
Describe subacute swine erysipelas.
Many animals developing rhomboid skin lesions, called Diamond Skin Disease.
Describe chronic swine erysipelas.
Characterized by non-suppurative enlarged joints, lameness, and endocarditis.
The appearance of many cases of _______ in growing pigs is more typical of erysipelas than of other diseases.
Arthritis.
What is the best treatment for swine erysipelas?
Responds very well to penicillin.
What are the control methods for swine erysipelas?
A combination of:
- Regular vaccination
- Good sanitation
- Elimination of carriers with skin and joint lesions
- Appropriate quarantine measures for purchased stock.
What does neuraminidase cause in swine erysipelas?
Widespread vascular damage that leads to thrombosis and interference with microcirculation in capillaries and venules at many sites; causes hemorrhage and infarcts.
What conditions are caused by the chronic form of swine erysipelas?
- Polyarthritis and proliferative synovitis
- Vegetative, valvular endocarditis.
What are arthritis and synovitis due to chronic swine erysipelas caused by specifically?
Caused by vasculitis with exudation of fibrin into perivascular tissues and joints which results in the destruction of articular cartilage and ankylosis of adjacent bones.
Vegetative valvular endocarditis due to chronic swine erysipelas is caused by what specifically?
Emboli of E. rhusiopathiae are believed to cause inflammation of blood vessels within heart valves; fibrin is deposited there and slowly organizes to form nodular vegetations.
Emboli that arise from vegetations due to chronic swine erysipelas can cause what?
Sudden death.
Congenital erysipelas in piglets causes what?
Swollen joints and inability to walk.
