Arcanobacterium haemolyticum

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Arcanobacterium haemolyticum (pronunciation: ar-ka-no-bak-teer-ee-um hee-mo-lit-ik-um) is a Gram-positive, catalase-negative bacterium that is a rare cause of pharyngitis and wound infections, most commonly in adolescents and young adults.

Etymology

The name Arcanobacterium is derived from the Latin arcanum, meaning secret or hidden, and bacterium, referring to a rod or staff. Haemolyticum is derived from the Greek haima, meaning blood, and lysis, meaning dissolution or destruction. Thus, Arcanobacterium haemolyticum can be translated as "the hidden rod that destroys blood".

Clinical Significance

Arcanobacterium haemolyticum is known to cause pharyngitis, skin infections, and occasionally more serious infections such as septicemia, endocarditis, and meningitis. It is often misdiagnosed due to its rarity and the similarity of its symptoms to those of more common conditions.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection is typically made through bacterial culture of a throat swab or wound sample. The bacterium can be identified by its characteristic hemolytic activity on blood agar and its negative catalase test result.

Treatment

Treatment for Arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection typically involves antibiotics. The bacterium is usually sensitive to penicillin, erythromycin, and clindamycin.

See Also

External links

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