Rat-bite fever historical perspective
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Overview
Historical perspective
In the U.S., rat bite fever is primarily caused by transmission of S. moniliformis from the bite of a rat.[1] However, approximately 30% of patients diagnosed with rat bite fever do not recall being scratched or bitten by an infected animal.[2][3] Transmission of the bacterium is also known to occur via consumption of infected water, close contact with, or handling of rats.[1][4] Haverhill fever, named after the 1926 outbreak of the disease in Haverhill, Massachusetts, is a form of rat bite fever that can result from ingesting food contaminated with S. moniliformis.[5] In 1986 at a boarding school in the United Kingdom, another outbreak of Haverhill fever was reported. Some 304 people were reported to have been afflicted.[6] Infection was suspected to have resulted from the consumption of either unpasteurized milk or water contaminated with rat feces.[7] Infected individuals described symptoms including a sudden development of vomiting, severe headache, and cold sweats with a high fever.[7] Parker and Hudson first isolated the cause of this outbreak, which they named Haverhilia multiformis.[3] This organism was later matched to S. moniliformis after further research.[8]
Symptoms of rate bite fever include the abrupt onset of fever ranging from 38.0 °C to 41 °C.[5] Approximately 75% of infected individuals develop a rash in addition to hemorrhaging vesicles.[1] Both the rash and vesicles are usually located on the hands and feet, although the rash has been known to spread to other parts of the body.[9]
The microaerophilic nature of S. moniliformis makes identification difficult.[5] PCR testing is being utilized more for its identification.[8] However, there is still a 13% mortality rate for untreated cases.[4] Immunocompromised individuals, such as HIV-positive individuals, are more at risk of death from this disease.[10] Lab personnel and pet store workers, who work closely with animals on a daily basis, also have an increased risk of infection.[5]
Although S. moniliformis is believed to be part of the commensal bacteria of the respiratory tract of rats,[11] rats have occasionally shown signs of the disease.[5] Antibiotics used to treat infection may cause the formation of the L-form, which persists in the body although this form is not pathogenic.[5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Cunningham, BB; Paller, AS; Katz, BZ (1998). "Rat bite fever in a pet lover". J Am Acad Dermatol. 38: 330–32. PMID 9486709.
- ↑
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Parker RH. "Rat-bite fever." Hoeprich PD, Jordan MC, editors., eds. Infectious disease, 4th ed. Philadelphia: Lipincott, 1989: 1310-1312
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Glasman; James, Peter; Thuraisingam (2009). "Rat Bite Fever: a Misnomer?". BMJ Case Report. PMID 3029161.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Elliot, Sean P. (2007). "Rat Bite Fever and Streptobacillus moniliformis". Clinical Microbiology Review. 20 (1): 13–22. doi:10.1128/CMR.00016-06.
- ↑ Pilsworth,R. 1983."Haverhillfever." Lancetii:336–337 PMID 6135846 (PMID 6135846)
Citation will be completed automatically in a few minutes. Jump the queue or expand by hand - ↑ 7.0 7.1 Shanson, D.C.; Midgley, J.; Gazzard, B.G.; Dixey, J. (1983). "Streptobacillus moniliformis isolated from blood in four cases of Haverhill fever-first outbreak in Britain". Lancet. 2: 92–94. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(83)90072-7. PMID 6134972.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Boot, R.; Bakker, R.H.; Thuis, S.H.; Veenema, J.L.; DeHoo, H. (1993). "An enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) for monitoring rodent colonies for "S. moniliformis" antibodies". Lab Anim. 27: 350–57. doi:10.1258/002367793780745516. PMID 8277708.
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ Wullenweber, Michael (1995). "Streptobacillus moniliformis-a zoonotic pathogen. Taxonomic considerations, host species, diagnosis, therapy, geographical distribution". Lab Anim. 29: 1–15. doi:10.1258/002367795780740375. PMID 7707673.