A review article on avian Erysipelas infection: An occupational disease of one health importance

Abstract

This review article was designed to spotlight on erysipelas infection of poultry regarding the disease history and nomenclature, the bacterium, virulence factors and pathogenicity, susceptibility, infection and transmission, pathology, human infection, laboratory diagnosis, and the prevention and control. Erysipelas is an acute emerging and occupational disease that affects a wide range of birds especially turkeys. The disease is caused by a bacterium, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (E. rhusiopathiae), which is a ubiquitous pathogen in the environment. Infection with E. rhusiopathiae is more common in adults than young birds and usually occur through mechanical skin injuries. Erysipelas in acute stage causes sudden death of infected birds, while some birds may show darkening of the skin or cyanosis in the head region and sharp drop in egg production. In post-mortem lesions, birds with E. rhusiopathiae show septicaemic picture, haemorrhages all over the body, valvular endocarditis, diffuse enlargement of internal organs, enteritis, and arthritis. The disease in human is known as erysipeloid and it mostly affects persons in direct contact with infected birds or contaminated poultry products. Strict biosecurity measures and treatment especially with penicillin derivatives are crucial for erysipelas control in infected birds. Living and inactivated vaccines for turkeys and other species of birds are used for prophylaxis.