From the Research
Penicillin is the first-line treatment for Arcanobacterium hemolyticum infections, as evidenced by the most recent study in 2023 1, which reported successful treatment with Ampicillin-Sulbactam.
Treatment Options
The treatment for Arcanobacterium hemolyticum infections typically involves administering penicillin G 2-4 million units IV every 4-6 hours for severe infections or penicillin V 500 mg orally four times daily for milder cases, with a treatment duration ranging from 10-14 days 2, 1.
- For penicillin-allergic patients, erythromycin (500 mg orally four times daily) or other macrolides like azithromycin (500 mg on day 1, then 250 mg daily for 4 days) are effective alternatives, as reported in studies from 1994 and 1996 3, 4.
- Clindamycin (300-450 mg orally four times daily) can also be used in cases of resistance or allergy.
Organism Characteristics
A. hemolyticum is typically susceptible to these antibiotics because it lacks the beta-lactamase enzymes that confer resistance to penicillins, as noted in a study from 1994 3.
- The organism commonly causes pharyngitis and skin infections, particularly in adolescents and young adults, and can lead to severe systemic infections such as infective endocarditis, systemic abscesses, osteomyelitis, and septicemia 5, 1.
Clinical Considerations
Treatment should be initiated promptly to prevent complications such as deep tissue infections or septicemia, and supportive care with adequate hydration and antipyretics may also be necessary depending on symptom severity 2, 1.
- A. haemolyticum should be included in the differential diagnosis of bacterial pharyngitis complicated by severe systemic illness, as highlighted in the 2023 study 1.