Arcanobacterium haemolyticum

Background

• Non-motile beta-hemolytic, Gram-positive bacillus

Clinical Manifestations

• Most commonly causes pharyngitis, but can also cause meningitis, pneumonia, brain abscess, osteomyelitis, and peritonsillar abscess
• Rash in 25-50%, which may be urticarial, macular, or maculopapular
  • Typically on trunk and extremities, and spares the palms, soles, and face

Management

• First-line antibiotic is erythromycin due to increasing penicillin resistance