Erysipelothrix

A genus of bacteria (family Corynebacteriaceae) containing nonmotile, Gram-positive, rod-shaped organisms that have a tendency to form long filaments; older cells tend to become Gram-negative. They produce acid but no gas from glucose. They are facultatively anaerobic and catalase-negative. Members of this genus infect mammals, birds, and fish. The type species is E. rhusiopathiae. [erysipelas + G. thrix, hair]

- E. insidiosa SYN: E. rhusiopathiae.

- E. rhusiopathiae a species that causes swine erysipelas, human erysipeloid, nonsuppurative polyarthritis in lambs, and septicemia in mice, and commonly infects fish handlers; it is the type species of the genus E.. SYN: E. insidiosa.

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er·y·sip·e·lo·thrix .er-ə-'sip-ə-lō-.thriks n

1) cap a genus of gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria that form no spores, tend to produce long filaments, and are usu. considered to comprise a single species (E. rhusiopathiae) which is widespread in nature where nitrogenous matter is disintegrating and is the causative agent of swine erysipelas, an arthritis of lambs, and human erysipeloid

2) a bacterium of the genus Erysipelothrix

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n.

a genus of Gram-positive nonmotile rod-shaped bacteria with a tendency to form filaments. They are parasites of mammals, birds, and fish. E. insidiosa (formerly E. rhusiopathiae) is a widely distributed species causing the disease erysipeloid.

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Er·y·sip·e·lo·thrix (er″ə-sipґə-lo-thriks″) [erysipelas + Gr. thrix hair] a genus of bacteria of the family Erysipelotrichaceae, consisting of gram-positive, asporogenous, rod-shaped organisms that form long filaments. They occur as parasites in mammals, birds, and fish. The type species is E. rhusiopaґthiae.