What is the treatment of choice for Erysipelothrix infections?

The treatment of choice for Erysipelothrix infections is penicillin. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, the bacterium responsible for these infections, is particularly susceptible to penicillin, making it an effective choice. In cases of Erysipelothrix infections, such as swine erysipelas or human erysipeloid, penicillin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, thus leading to the bacterium's death.

While other antibiotics like oxytetracycline, sulfonamides, and macrolides may have some activity against various bacteria, they are not the first-line treatment for infections caused by Erysipelothrix. Penicillin's broad effectiveness, particularly in Gram-positive bacteria and its established track record in treating these specific infections, reinforces its status as the preferred therapy. This makes it crucial for practitioners to recognize the importance of using penicillin in managing Erysipelothrix infections effectively.