Rat-bite fever: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P Rat-bite fever is a rare bacterial disease spread by the bite of an infected rodent.

T Causes
P Rat-bite fever can be caused by either of 2 different bacteria, Streptobacillus moniliformis or Spirillum minus. Both of these are found in the mouths of rodents.
P The disease is most often seen in:
- Asia
- Europe
- North America
P Most people get rat-bite fever through contact with urine or fluids from the mouth, eye, or nose of an infected animal. This most commonly occurs through a bite or scratch. Some cases may occur simply through contact with these fluids.
P A rat is usually the source of the infection. Other animals that may cause this infection include:
- Gerbils
- Squirrels
- Weasels

T Symptoms
P Symptoms depend on the bacteria that caused the infection.
P Symptoms due to Streptobacillus moniliformis may include:
- Chills
- Fever
- Joint pain, redness, or swelling
- Rash
P Symptoms due to Spirillum minus may include:
- Chills
- Fever
- Open sore at the site of the bite
- Rash with red or purple patches and bumps
- Swollen lymph nodes near the bite
P Symptoms from either organism usually resolve within 2 weeks. Untreated, the symptoms, such as fever or joint pain, can keep returning for many weeks or longer.

T Exams and Tests
P The health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms. If the provider suspects rat bite fever, tests will be done to detect the bacteria in:
- Skin
- Blood
- Joint fluid
- Lymph nodes
P Blood antibody tests and other techniques may also be used.

T Treatment
P Rat-bite fever is treated with antibiotics for 7 to 14 days.

T Outlook (Prognosis)
P The outlook is excellent with early treatment. If it is not treated, the death rate can be as high as 25%.

T Possible Complications
P Rat-bite fever may cause these complications:
- Abscesses of the brain or soft tissue
- Infection of the heart valves
- Inflammation of the parotid (salivary) glands
- Inflammation of the tendons
- Inflammation of the heart lining

T When to Contact a Medical Professional
P Call your 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

T Prevention
P 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.

T Alternative Names
P Streptobacillary fever; Streptobacillosis; Haverhill fever; Epidemic arthritic erythema; Spirillary fever; Sodoku

T References
P Shandro JR, Jauregui JM. Wilderness-acquired zooneses. In: Auerbach PS, ed. Auerbach's Wilderness Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 34.
P Washburn RG. Rat-bite fever: Streptobacillus moniliformis and Spirillum minus. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Updated Edition. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 233.

T Review Date 11/27/2016
P Updated by: Arnold Lentnek, MD, Infectious Diseases Medical Practice of NY and Clinical Research Centers of CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

