Arcanobacterium haemolyticum: Difference between revisions
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==Arcanobacterium haemolyticum== | |||
[[File:Arcanobacterium_haemolyticum_after_48_hours.jpg|Arcanobacterium haemolyticum after 48 hours|thumb|right]] | |||
'''Arcanobacterium haemolyticum''' is a species of [[Gram-positive bacteria]] that is known to cause [[pharyngitis]] and skin infections, particularly in adolescents and young adults. It was first described in 1946 by MacLean, Liebow, and Rosenberg. This bacterium is part of the genus ''[[Arcanobacterium]]'', which includes several other species that are pathogenic to humans and animals. | |||
== | ==Characteristics== | ||
''Arcanobacterium haemolyticum'' is a facultative anaerobic bacterium, meaning it can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. It is non-motile and does not form spores. The bacterium is characterized by its ability to produce a beta-hemolytic reaction on blood agar, which is a key diagnostic feature. Colonies of ''A. haemolyticum'' are typically small, white, and exhibit a narrow zone of hemolysis after 48 hours of incubation. | |||
== | ==Pathogenesis== | ||
''Arcanobacterium haemolyticum'' is primarily associated with [[pharyngitis]], which is an inflammation of the [[pharynx]] causing a sore throat. It can also cause skin infections, such as [[cellulitis]] and [[ulcer]]s. The bacterium is known to produce a phospholipase D toxin, which contributes to its virulence by damaging host cell membranes. | |||
== | ==Clinical Presentation== | ||
Patients infected with ''A. haemolyticum'' often present with symptoms similar to those of [[streptococcal pharyngitis]], including sore throat, fever, and [[lymphadenopathy]]. A distinguishing feature of ''A. haemolyticum'' infection is the presence of a scarlatiniform rash, which can help differentiate it from other causes of pharyngitis. | |||
== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of ''Arcanobacterium haemolyticum'' infection is typically made through [[culture]] of the organism from throat swabs or skin lesions. The bacterium's characteristic beta-hemolytic colonies on blood agar and its Gram-positive, rod-shaped appearance under the microscope aid in identification. Molecular methods, such as [[PCR]], can also be used for more rapid and specific detection. | |||
==Treatment== | |||
Infections caused by ''Arcanobacterium haemolyticum'' are generally treated with [[antibiotics]]. The bacterium is usually susceptible to [[penicillin]], [[erythromycin]], and [[clindamycin]]. It is important to accurately diagnose and treat infections to prevent complications and transmission. | |||
==Epidemiology== | |||
''Arcanobacterium haemolyticum'' is most commonly isolated from adolescents and young adults, particularly those aged 10 to 30 years. It is less frequently found in older adults and young children. The bacterium is transmitted through respiratory droplets, and outbreaks can occur in close-contact settings such as schools and military barracks. | |||
==Prevention== | |||
Preventive measures for ''A. haemolyticum'' infections include good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. In healthcare settings, standard infection control procedures should be followed to prevent nosocomial transmission. | |||
==Related Pages== | |||
* [[Pharyngitis]] | |||
* [[Gram-positive bacteria]] | |||
* [[Beta-hemolysis]] | |||
* [[Antibiotic treatment]] | |||
[[Category:Arcanobacterium|Haemolyticum]] | |||
[[Category:Gram-positive bacteria]] | |||
[[Category:Infectious diseases]] | |||
Latest revision as of 11:43, 23 March 2025
Arcanobacterium haemolyticum[edit]
Arcanobacterium haemolyticum is a species of Gram-positive bacteria that is known to cause pharyngitis and skin infections, particularly in adolescents and young adults. It was first described in 1946 by MacLean, Liebow, and Rosenberg. This bacterium is part of the genus Arcanobacterium, which includes several other species that are pathogenic to humans and animals.
Characteristics[edit]
Arcanobacterium haemolyticum is a facultative anaerobic bacterium, meaning it can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. It is non-motile and does not form spores. The bacterium is characterized by its ability to produce a beta-hemolytic reaction on blood agar, which is a key diagnostic feature. Colonies of A. haemolyticum are typically small, white, and exhibit a narrow zone of hemolysis after 48 hours of incubation.
Pathogenesis[edit]
Arcanobacterium haemolyticum is primarily associated with pharyngitis, which is an inflammation of the pharynx causing a sore throat. It can also cause skin infections, such as cellulitis and ulcers. The bacterium is known to produce a phospholipase D toxin, which contributes to its virulence by damaging host cell membranes.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Patients infected with A. haemolyticum often present with symptoms similar to those of streptococcal pharyngitis, including sore throat, fever, and lymphadenopathy. A distinguishing feature of A. haemolyticum infection is the presence of a scarlatiniform rash, which can help differentiate it from other causes of pharyngitis.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection is typically made through culture of the organism from throat swabs or skin lesions. The bacterium's characteristic beta-hemolytic colonies on blood agar and its Gram-positive, rod-shaped appearance under the microscope aid in identification. Molecular methods, such as PCR, can also be used for more rapid and specific detection.
Treatment[edit]
Infections caused by Arcanobacterium haemolyticum are generally treated with antibiotics. The bacterium is usually susceptible to penicillin, erythromycin, and clindamycin. It is important to accurately diagnose and treat infections to prevent complications and transmission.
Epidemiology[edit]
Arcanobacterium haemolyticum is most commonly isolated from adolescents and young adults, particularly those aged 10 to 30 years. It is less frequently found in older adults and young children. The bacterium is transmitted through respiratory droplets, and outbreaks can occur in close-contact settings such as schools and military barracks.
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures for A. haemolyticum infections include good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. In healthcare settings, standard infection control procedures should be followed to prevent nosocomial transmission.
