Empyema in spinal canal in thoracic region, abscesses in paravertebral space, spondylitis: in clinical course of zoonosis Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

Abstract

ObjectivesErysipelas is an animal disease caused by Gram-positive bacteria Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Among the domestic animals, domestic pig (Sus scrofa f. domestica) suffers most frequently from the disease in human environment. This is a typical animal-borne disease observed mainly in occupational groups employed in agriculture, farming (of animals and birds), fishing and manufacturing industry.MethodsWe are presenting the clinical course of infection (E. rhusiopathiae) and discuss clinical forms. E. rhusiopathiae in humans may have the following clinical course: mild form of skin infection diagnosed as local erythema (erysipeloid), disseminated form of skin infection and the most serious form of infection of systemic course (endocarditis and sepsis). Mild skin infection and local erythema are the most common forms. Very rare case of animal-borne infection course has been presented in which after initial phase the disease was generalised to the abscesses formation in paravertebral space, spondylitis and empyema formation in spinal canal. In the presented clinical case, the patient was suffering from diabetes. It was probably an additional risk factor of the disease generalisation. Patient underwent drainage of empyema in spinal canal, after which his neurological status gradually improved. Antibiotic therapy was implemented and continued for 8 weeks. Such course of erysipelas was not previously described in the literature.ResultsAfter therapy neurological status was improved. In follow MRI control exam empyema and spondylitis was successfully eliminated.ConclusionsVarious complications of the disease, such as endocarditis and heart valves disturbances, are well known and are the most severe complications of the generalised infection. Proper targeted and long-term antibiotic therapy is crucial.

Biologically Hazardous Agents at Work and Efforts to Protect Workers' Health: A Review of Recent Reports

“…Erysipelas is an animal disease caused by Gram-positive bacterium E. rhusiopathiae . It is a typical animal-borne disease observed mainly in occupational groups employed in agricultural, farming (of animals and birds), fishing, and manufacturing industries [52] .…”

First Serologic Survey of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in Wild Boars Hunted for Private Consumption in Portugal

“…This infection, as a zoonosis, is mainly an occupational disease, thus posing a health risk to those who come into direct contact with infected animals [ 14 , 40 , 41 ]. Therefore, in the context of SE in wild boar, informing and training hunters (the main risk group) is of key importance for their protection and to minimize disease spread.…”

Shock caused by multidrug-resistant Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteremia: a rare case report and literature review

“…However, E. rhusiopathiae bacteremia is rare and present with severe clinical symptoms, such as endocarditis [3,8], acute meningitis [22], arthritis [23,24], psoas abscess [25], and thoracic spondylitis [26]. According to a previous review [1], many underlying diseases, including heart disease and alcohol abuse, made the patients susceptible to E. rhusiopathiae infection and led to the occurrence of bacteremia.…”