Medical Care
The antibiotics of choice for the 3 forms of erysipeloid are penicillin or cephalosporin. [7] Ceftriaxone proved to have an effect against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. In patients who are allergic to penicillin, ciprofloxacin alone or erythromycin in combination with rifampin may be used. The microorganism is resistant to vancomycin, an important consideration in patients with endocarditis caused by E. rhusiopathiae. [18, 21] E. rhusiopathiae is also resistant to chloramphenicol, daptomycin, gentamicin, netilmicin, streptomycin, teicoplanin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. [16]
E. rhusiopathiae has been shown to be eradicated from surfaces by the use of simple home disinfectants; thus, an important step in the prevention of infection may be to spray hazardous work areas (eg, fishing boats, meat counters) with disinfectants. [22]
Consultations
An infectious disease specialist may be consulted when deciding treatment, especially in cases of bone and joint involvement.
Opinions from a cardiologist and cardiothoracic surgeon are mandatory in cases of endocarditis.
Pulmonologists are consulted in cases of pleural effusion.
Neurologists and neurosurgeons are consulted in the presence of central nervous system disease.
-
Erysipeloid. Courtesy of DermNet New Zealand (http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/erysipeloid/) and the Waikato District Health Board (http://www.waikatodhb.health.nz/).
-
Erysipeloid. Courtesy of DermNet New Zealand (http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/erysipeloid/) and the Waikato District Health Board (http://www.waikatodhb.health.nz/).
