{
  "schema_version": "1.0",
  "level": "species",
  "genus": "Erysipelothrix",
  "species": "tonsillarum",

  "overview": {
    "short": "Erysipelothrix tonsillarum is a Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, non-motile short rod most commonly associated with animals and environmental exposure rather than classic erysipeloid.",
    "clinical_context": "More often isolated from animals (e.g., tonsils/oropharynx) and may appear in mixed cultures; human disease is less commonly described than E. rhusiopathiae."
  },

  "expected_fields": {
    "Gram Stain": "Positive",
    "Shape": "Short Rods",
    "Motility": "Negative",
    "Capsule": "Negative",
    "Spore Formation": "Negative",
    "Haemolysis": "Variable",
    "Haemolysis Type": "Variable",
    "Media Grown On": [
      "Blood Agar"
    ],
    "Colony Morphology": [
      "Small",
      "Grey",
      "Translucent",
      "Smooth"
    ],
    "Oxygen Requirement": "Facultative Anaerobe",
    "Growth Temperature": "20//42",
    "Catalase": "Negative",
    "Oxidase": "Negative",
    "Indole": "Negative",
    "Urease": "Negative",
    "Citrate": "Negative",
    "Methyl Red": "Positive",
    "VP": "Negative",
    "H2S": "Variable",
    "DNase": "Negative",
    "ONPG": "Negative",
    "Coagulase": "Negative",
    "Gelatin Hydrolysis": "Negative",
    "Esculin Hydrolysis": "Negative",
    "Nitrate Reduction": "Negative",
    "NaCl Tolerant (>=6%)": "Negative",
    "Lipase Test": "Negative",
    "Lysine Decarboxylase": "Negative",
    "Ornithine Decarboxylase": "Negative",
    "Ornitihine Decarboxylase": "Negative",
    "Arginine dihydrolase": "Negative",
    "Glucose Fermentation": "Positive",
    "Lactose Fermentation": "Negative",
    "Sucrose Fermentation": "Variable",
    "Maltose Fermentation": "Negative",
    "Mannitol Fermentation": "Negative",
    "Sorbitol Fermentation": "Negative",
    "Xylose Fermentation": "Negative",
    "Rhamnose Fermentation": "Negative",
    "Arabinose Fermentation": "Negative",
    "Raffinose Fermentation": "Negative",
    "Trehalose Fermentation": "Negative",
    "Inositol Fermentation": "Negative",
    "Gas Production": "Negative",
    "TSI Pattern": "Unknown",
    "Colony Pattern": "Unknown",
    "Pigment": "None",
    "Motility Type": "None"
  },

  "species_markers": [
    {
      "field": "H2S",
      "value": "Variable",
      "importance": "high",
      "notes": "Compared with E. rhusiopathiae, H2S may be less consistently observed; treat as supportive rather than definitive."
    },
    {
      "field": "Clinical Context",
      "value": "Animal-associated / commensal-leaning",
      "importance": "medium",
      "notes": "Frequently associated with animal reservoirs; human clinical relevance may require correlation."
    }
  ],

  "common_confusions": [
    {
      "species": "Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae",
      "reason": "Very close overlap in routine phenotypic testing; separation often requires MALDI-TOF or molecular identification."
    },
    {
      "genus": "Listeria",
      "reason": "Short rod appearance; motility and catalase help separate."
    }
  ],

  "when_to_question_identification": [
    "Clear and reproducible H2S positivity plus classic erysipeloid context favors E. rhusiopathiae.",
    "Motility suggests non-Erysipelothrix short rods.",
    "Catalase positivity argues against Erysipelothrix."
  ],

  "recommended_next_tests": [
    {
      "test": "MALDI-TOF MS",
      "reason": "Most practical method to separate E. tonsillarum from E. rhusiopathiae in routine workflows.",
      "api_kit": "Not applicable"
    },
    {
      "test": "H2S detection on TSI or iron-containing media",
      "reason": "Use as a supportive feature; interpret cautiously due to variability.",
      "api_kit": "API Coryne"
    },
    {
      "test": "Molecular identification (e.g., sequencing)",
      "reason": "Useful where MALDI libraries are limited or when clinical stakes are high.",
      "api_kit": "Not applicable"
    }
  ]
}