n. a genus of Gram-positive nonmotile rod-shaped bacteria with a tendency to form filaments. They are parasites of mammals, birds, and fish. E. insidiosa (formerly E. rhusiopathiae) is a widely distributed species causing the disease *erysipeloid.
n. an infection of the skin and underlying tissues with *Erysipelothrix insidiosa, developing usually in people handling fish, poultry, or meat. Infection enters through scratches or cuts on the hands, and is normally confined to a finger or hand, which becomes reddened; sometimes systemic illness develops. Treatment is with penicillin.... erysipeloid
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