Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae serotype 15 associated with recurring pig erysipelas outbreaks

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is the causative agent of pig erysipelas and can be associated with sporadic cases or larger outbreaks of septicaemia with characteristic skin lesions or chronic polyarthritis. Within the genus Erysipelothrix, at least 6 species (Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Erysipelothrix tonsillarum, Erysipelothrix species strain 1, Erysipelothrix species strain 2, Erysipelothrix species strain 3 and Erysipelothrix inopinata) and 28 serotypes (1a, 1b, 2-26 and N) have been recognised.1 E rhusiopathiae serotypes 1 and 2 are frequently isolated from clinically affected pigs, although other E rhusiopathiae serotypes have been sporadically associated with clinical disease. While there is no experimental evidence that Erysipelothrix species other than E rhusiopathiae cause disease in pigs, certain Erysipelothrix species strains have been isolated from clinical cases and from condemned carcases in abattoirs.