Erysipelothrix Rhusiopathiae Bacteremia without Endocarditis: Rapid Identification from Positive Blood Culture by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry. A Case Report and Literature Review.
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a Gram-positive bacillus that is infrequently responsible for infections in humans. Three forms have been classified: a localized cutaneous form (erysipeloid) caused by traumatic penetration of E. rhusiopathiae, a generalized cutaneous form and a septicemic form. The latter type of disease has been previously associated with a high incidence of endocarditis. Here we report a case of E. rhusiopathiae bacteremia in a 74-year-old man, probably started from an erysipeloid form, in which endocarditis did not develop. This case presents some particular and uncommon features: i) no correlation with animal source; ii) correlation between bacteremia and erysipeloid lesion; iii) absence of endocarditis. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry allowed to obtain a rapid identification (within 4 hours from bottle positivity) of E. rhusiopathiae. Together with direct antimicrobial susceptibility testing, this approach could improve the rate of appropriate therapy for bloodstream infections due to this fastidious pathogen.
Microbiology and Virology Unit, A. Manzoni Hospital , Lecco, Italy.
Luigi
L
Principe
Microbiology and Virology Unit, A. Manzoni Hospital , Lecco, Italy.
Silvia
S
Bracco
Microbiology and Virology Unit, A. Manzoni Hospital , Lecco, Italy.
Carola
C
Mauri
Microbiology and Virology Unit, A. Manzoni Hospital , Lecco, Italy.
Silvia
S
Tonolo
Microbiology and Virology Unit, A. Manzoni Hospital , Lecco, Italy.
Beatrice
B
Pini
Microbiology and Virology Unit, A. Manzoni Hospital , Lecco, Italy.
Francesco
F
Luzzaro
Erysipelas; antimicrobial treatment; empirical therapy; skin and soft tissue infections