In humans, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infections most commonly present in a mild cutaneous form known as erysipeloid[1] or fish poisoning.

[2] E. rhusiopathiae can cause an indolent cellulitis, more commonly in individuals who handle fish and raw meat.

It is common in domestic pigs and can be transmitted to humans who work with swine.

[4][5] Due to the rarity of reported human cases, E. rhusiopathiae infections are frequently misidentified at presentation.

[1] Violaceous swelling with severe pain but without pus (Which differentiates from pus forming streptococcal and staphylococcal erysipelas)[citation needed] Erysipeloid of Rosenbach is a cutaneous condition most frequently characterized by a purplish marginated swelling on the hands.