Erysipelas
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae causes arthritis (often post-marking) and post-dipping lameness (due to laminitis) in sheep and arthritis, urticaria, valvular endocarditis and fatal septicaemia in pigs. The resultant pyrexia in sows can result in abortion.
Diagnosis
Clinical signs and history. Gross pathology. Isolation of E. rhusiopathiae from affected tissues. There is no routine serological test at present available for Erysipelas.
Specimens required
Arthritis:
Whole joint unopened and chilled. If this is not possible, forward aseptically-collected synovial membrane (most desirable) and synovial fluid (of lesser value) in separate sterile containers.Urticaria & Endocarditis:
- Portion of lesion(s) collected aseptically and forwarded in sterile containers for bacteriology.
- Portion of lesion(s) in buffered formalin for histopathology.
Septicaemia:
- Sections of liver, kidney, lung, spleen, collected aseptically and forwarded in separate sterile containers for bacteriology.
- Portions of above tissues in buffered formalin for histopathology.
- From acute clinical cases, sample of citrated blood collected aseptically, submitted chilled for bacteriology.