Definition for rat bite fever

Rat-bite fever is an acute, febrile human illness caused by bacteria transmitted by rodents, rats in most cases. more

Rat-bite fever is an acute, febrile human illness caused by bacteria transmitted by rodents, rats in most cases. Two types of gram-negative facultatively anaerobic bacteria can cause the infection, which is passed from rodent to human via the rodent's urine or mucous secretions.

In rat-bite fever transmitted by the gram-negative rod Streptobacillus moniliformis, symptoms begin to appear two to ten days after a rat bite injury. The illness resembles a severe influenza, with a moderate fever (101-104° F), chills, joint pain, and a diffuse red rash, located mostly on the hands and feet. The causative organism can be isolated by blood culture, and penicillin is the most common treatment. Treatment is usually quite successful, although the body can clear the infection by itself in most cases. Complications are rare, but can include endocarditis and meningitis. less