Identification ofErysipelothrix rhusiopathiaeby DNA Sequencing in a Culture-Negative Intra-Abdominal Abscess

Abstract

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a Gram-positive bacillus that causes infections primarily in animals. In humans, the bacteria usually cause localized or generalized cutaneous infections. A 75-year-old man with chronic alcoholism presented with abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography and laboratory findings suggested an intra-abdominal abscess in the periaortic soft tissue. While no definitive infectious source was identified, E. rhusiopathiae was identified by 16S rRNA-based gene sequencing from culture-negative, periaortic necrotic tis-sue, subsequent to empiric antibiotic treatment. It is suggested that E. rhusiopathiae has the potential to cause intra-abdominal abscesses. This case report highlights the usefulness of DNA sequencing to identify pathogens in patients pretreated with antibiotics. (Ann Clin Microbiol 2014;17:132-135)

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae endocarditis diagnosed by broad range 16s rRNA PCR gene sequencing

“…Laboratory identification of E. rhusiopathiae is challenging. In addition to standard culture, broad range bacterial PCR using 16S rRNA gene sequencing has been utilized to successfully identify E. rhusiopathiae from clinical samples [8,9]. This molecular method is especially advantageous in settings where patients were pre-treated with antimicrobials [10,11].…”