RAT-BITE FEVER

'Rat-bite fever' is an acute, febrile human illness caused by bacteria transmitted by rodents, rats in most cases. Two types of gram-negative facultatively anaerobic bacteria can cause the infection, which is passed from rodent to human via the rodent's urine or mucous secretions.

Contents

Spirillosis

Streptobacillosis

External links

Spirillosis

Rat-bite fever transmitted by the gram-negative spirochaete ''Spirillum minus'' is more rare, and is found most often in Asia. In Japan the disease is called 'Sodoku'. Symptoms do not manifest for two to four weeks after exposure to the organism, and the wound through which it entered exhibits slow healing and marked inflammation. The fever lasts longer and is recurring, for months in some cases. Joint pain and gastrointestinal symptoms are less severe or are absent. Penicillin is the most common treatment.

Streptobacillosis

The Streptobacillosis form of rat-bite fever is known by the alternate names 'Haverhill Fever' and 'epidemic arthritic erythema'.

External links

★ Rat-bite fever description


★ Case report of fatal incidence in the USA

★ Rat-bite fever (healthAtoZ.com)