Arcanobacterium haemolyticum is a Gram-positive bacteria that can be a challenge to diagnose because of its slow rate of growth.
Former name: Corynebacterium haemolyticum
The organism releases a number of toxins include:
(1) phospholipase D
(2) arcanolysin
(3) pyolysin
It has been associated with a wide range of infections including:
(1) pharyngitis
(2) sinusitis
(3) orbital cellulitis
(4) cutaneous ulceration
(5) sepsis
(6) osteomyelitis
(7) urinary tract infection
(8) brain abscess
Microbiological features:
(1) Gram-positive diphtheroid/coryneform
(2) aerobic, catalase negative
(3) slow growing
(4) weak beta-hemolysis
Special clinical features:
(1) scarlatiniform rash (diffuse erythematous maculopapular rash, often pruritic and desquamative)
(2) toxic shock-like reaction
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases
