Arcanobacterium haemolyticum is a gram-positive, facultative bacillus known for causing pharyngitis with a distinctive “sandpaper” scarlatiniform rash in children and young adults. Although it is rarely isolated due to limited routine testing, A haemolyticum can cause various infections, including soft tissue, endocarditis, bacteremia, and septicemia, particularly in older or immunosuppressed patients. Both viruses and bacteria can cause acute pharyngitis, highlighting the need to include A haemolyticum in the differential diagnosis list and differentiate it from Streptococcus pyogenes due to their similar clinical presentation.Delays in diagnosing A haemolyticum infections stem from the clinical similarities with S pyogenes, leading to potential misinterpretations of the scarlatiniform rash as either the scarlet fever rash or a viral exanthem. In addition, A haemolyticum is more challenging to isolate in culture, contributing to diagnostic challenges. Prompt recognition and treatment with antibiotics, such as penicillins, macrolides, or tetracyclines, and supportive care are crucial for favorable patient outcomes, leaving no long-term sequelae. This activity reviews the evaluation and management of A haemolyticum infection, with emphasis on differential diagnosis and proper laboratory testing for accurate identification and treatment. This activity also highlights the crucial role of an interprofessional healthcare team in providing comprehensive care to patients affected by A haemolyticum infections.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/17806
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: IPCE Credits: 1.5 hours
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.5 hours
Nursing: 1.5 hours
Pharmacy: 1.5 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABIM - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Adolescent Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Dermatopathology, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, Head & Neck/Oral, Infectious Disease, Infectious Diseases/Medical Microbiology, Internal Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Diseases