Rat-bite fever (patient information)

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Rat-bite fever is a rare disease spread by infected rodents.

What are the symptoms of (condition)?

Symptoms depend on the bacteria that caused the infection. Symptoms due to Streptobacillus moniliformis may include:

• Chills
• Fever
• Joint pain, redness, or swelling
• Rash

Symptoms due to Spirillum minus may include:

• Chills
• Open sore at the site of the bite
• Rash -- may be red/purple plaques

Who is at highest risk?

Rat-bite fever can be caused by the two different bacteria, Streptobacillus moniliformis or Spirillum minus, both of which are found in the mouths of rodents. The disease has been seen in:

• Africa
• Australia
• Europe
• Japan
• North and South America

Most people get rat-bite fever through contact with urine or secretions from the mouth, eye, or nose of an infected animal. This most commonly occurs though a bite, yet some cases may occur simply through contact with these secretions. The source of the infection is usually a rat. Other animals that may cause infection include squirrels, weasels, and gerbils.

When to seek urgent medical care?

Call your health care provider if:

• You or your child has had recent contact with a rat or other rodent
• The person who was bitten has symptoms of rat-bite fever

Diagnosis

This condition is diagnosed by detecting the bacteria in skin, blood, joint fluid, or lymph nodes. Blood antibody tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques may also be used.

Treatment options

Rat-bite fever is treated with antibiotics. Your health care provider may prescribe penicillin or tetracyclines for 7 - 14 days.

Where to find medical care for (condition)?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

The outlook is excellent with early treatment. Untreated, the death rate can be as high as 25%

Possible complications

• Abscesses of the brain or soft tissue
• Infection of the heart valves
• Inflammation of the parotid glands (parotitis)
• Inflammation of the tendons (tenosynovitis)
• Pericarditis