Arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection

Arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection is a rare bacterial infection caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. This bacterium is primarily associated with pharyngitis and skin infections, particularly in adolescents and young adults.

Epidemiology

Arcanobacterium haemolyticum is a normal inhabitant of the human skin and mucous membranes. However, it can cause infection when it enters the body through a break in the skin or mucous membranes. The bacterium is most commonly isolated from the throat and skin, but it can also be found in other body sites. The infection is more common in adolescents and young adults, but it can occur at any age.

Clinical Manifestations

The clinical manifestations of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection can vary widely, ranging from mild pharyngitis to severe systemic infection. The most common clinical presentation is pharyngitis, often accompanied by a scarlatiniform rash. Skin infections caused by Arcanobacterium haemolyticum can present as cellulitis, abscesses, or wound infections. In rare cases, the bacterium can cause sepsis, endocarditis, meningitis, and other serious infections.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection is based on the isolation of the bacterium from a clinical specimen, such as a throat swab or a skin lesion. The bacterium can be identified by its characteristic hemolysis on blood agar and its positive reaction to the CAMP test. However, the bacterium can be easily overlooked or misidentified in the laboratory due to its slow growth and its similarity to other Gram-positive bacteria.

Treatment

The treatment of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection typically involves antibiotics. The bacterium is usually susceptible to penicillin, erythromycin, and clindamycin. However, resistance to these antibiotics has been reported, and susceptibility testing is recommended. In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics may be required.

Prevention

Prevention of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection primarily involves good personal hygiene and wound care. The bacterium is not typically spread from person to person, so isolation of infected individuals is not usually necessary.

See Also

• Pharyngitis
• Cellulitis
• Sepsis
• Endocarditis
• Meningitis