E. rhusiopathiae , the only species of this genus, is better known as a veterinary pathogen than as a human pathogen. When cultured on blood agar or some other nutrient medium, Erysipelothrix forms notably large colonies. This ubiquitous microbe has been found in many farm animals such as pigs, horses, and turkeys. Occasionaly, though, it can infect a human host and cause an inflammatory skin disease, Erysipeloid.
Treatment usually consists of penicillin G, ampicillin, or cephalothin.
Most clinical strains have been found to be resistant to the super-antibiotic, vancomycin.