- produces swine erysipelas, surviving on decomposing fish, shell fish, meat
- the organism penetrates the skin thru a small abrasion or wound and causes infection in fish handlers;
- suppuration ordinarily does not occur, but the condition is accompanied by lymphangitis, lymphadenitis, swelling, and
a tense, shiny appearance to the digit;
- lesion is generally painful and violaceous and spreads peripherally, w/a raised border and central areas of clearing without bullae;
- bacteremia and septic shock have been reported but are rare.
- gram-positive rod, is usually not observed on a Gram stain of the drainage material
- may be isolated by culture or biopsy at advancing edge of the infection
- penicillin is the agent of choice, I and D are not usually indicated;