| Description | Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a motile, Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a wide range of temperatures, specifically in the mesophilic temperature preference category, between 25-37°C. Its metabolism is heterotrophic, relying on the breakdown of pre-existing organic compounds for energy, rather than producing its own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. As a chemoheterotroph, it obtains energy by oxidizing organic molecules, specifically amino acids and carbohydrates, to produce ATP. E. rhusiopathiae is a strict aerobic, meaning it requires oxygen to survive and metabolize. In fact, it is an obligate aerobe, which means that it cannot tolerate even low levels of oxygen and will not grow in its absence. The bacterium's energy production is based on the citric acid cycle, where it converts glucose and other organic compounds into ATP, carbon dioxide, and water. Its Gram stain reactivity is positive, denoting the presence of a thick peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall. Morphologically, E. rhusiopathiae is a rod-shaped bacterium, typically measuring 0.5-1.0 μm in width and 2-4 μm in length. E. rhusiopathiae is a pathogen that can infect various body sites, including the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs, in humans and animals. Infections caused by this bacterium can lead to erysipeloid, a skin condition characterized by inflammation and bluish discoloration, as well as septicemia, which can be life-threatening. In addition, E. rhusiopathiae has been isolated from various animal sources, including pigs, cattle, and chickens, and is often associated with environmental exposures, such as contaminated soil and water. Its ability to infect and cause disease in a wide range of hosts makes it an important pathogen to study and understand. |
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