Microbiology
Gram-positive rod, A. haemolyticum (used to be Corynebacterium). Also Arcanobacterium (Actinomyces) bernardiae, Arcanobacterium (Actinomyces) pyogenes and a variety of others.
Epidemiologic Risks
Humans are the source.
Syndromes
A. haemolyticum: Pharyngitis that looks like group A Streptococcus, perhaps 2-3% of sore throats, with a scarlatiniform rash (a rash with a sandpaper feel). Occasionally will infect chronic skin ulcers and cellulitis (PubMed).
Sepsis with Arcanobacterium hemolyticum.
A hodegepodge of case reports of odd infections.
Treatment
Anything: penicillin, cephalosporins, macrolides, vancomycin, and doxycycline are all effective.
Notes
Arcanobacterium wilhelmae sp. nov., was isolated from the genital tract of a rhinoceros (not a specimen I would want to obtain) and Arcanobacterium pinnipediorum sp. nov., was found in a harbor seal.
Last update: 01/01/20