Closing the Brief Case: Erysipelothrix Bacteremia and Endocarditis in a 59-Year-Old Immunocompromised Male on Chronic High-Dose Steroids

Answer: a. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae naturally resides in the digestive tract of numerous animals and is directly transmitted to humans from infected animals through injuries, cuts, and bite wounds. Occupations with significant exposures to animals and animal products, such as veterinarians, abattoir workers, and fish handlers, are at increased risk for exposure and subsequent infection with E. rhusiopathiae. Sustaining an injury while working with animal products would, therefore, be an exposure associated with E. rhusiopathiae infection, whereas consuming unpasteurized dairy products, hunting game, and harvesting crops are less likely to result in exposure.