Rat-bite fever laboratory findings
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Laboratory Findings
The findings of rash, fever, and arthritis in individuals with a history of rat exposure suggest the diagnosis of Rat-bite fever.
Diagnosis of S. moniliformis is typically made by isolating the organism from blood or synovial fluid. Specific media and incubation conditions should be used. In the absence of a positive culture, identification of pleomorphic gram-negative bacilli in appropriate specimens supports a preliminary diagnosis. Since the organism does not grow in artificial media, diagnosis of S. minus is made by identifying characteristic spirochetes in appropriate specimens using dark-field microscopy or differential stains.