Rat-bite fever (patient information)
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Rat-bite fever |
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Rat-bite fever On the Web |
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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 Rat-bite fever?
Symptoms depend on the bacteria that caused the infection. Symptoms due to Streptobacillus moniliformis may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Joint pain, redness, or swelling
- Rash
Symptoms due to Spirillum minus may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Open sore at the site of the bite
- Rash -- may be red/purple plaques
What causes Rat-bite fever?
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.
Who is at highest risk?
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.
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.
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
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 Rat-bite fever?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition
Prevention
Avoiding contact with rats or rat-contaminated dwellings may help prevent rat-bite fever. Taking antibiotics by mouth after a rat bite may also help prevent this illness.
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