sodoku disease

Sodoku Disease: A Bacterial Zoonotic Illness

Sodoku, also known as Spirillary rat-bite fever (RBF), is a bacterial zoonotic disease caused by the Gram-negative rod Spirillum minus. It is a form of rat-bite fever (RBF) that can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected rats or their urine.

Symptoms and Characteristics

The symptoms of sodoku vary according to the type of bacteria causing the infection, but generally include:

• Headache
• Skin rash
• Fever

In some cases, the disease may also cause local inflammation, fever, lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes), and headache.

Transmission and Causes

Sodoku is transmitted through direct contact with infected rats or their urine. The bacteria Spirillum minus is responsible for causing this disease.

Types of Rat-Bite Fever

There are two types of rat-bite fever: one caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis and the other by Spirillum minus. Sodoku, also known as Spirillary rat-bite fever, is caused by Spirillum minus.

References

• [1] Sodoku (鼠毒) is a bacterial zoonotic disease. It is caused by the Gram-negative rod Spirillum minus It is a form of rat-bite fever (RBF). Sodoku.
• [2] Spirillary rat-bite fever (RBF), also known as Sodoku (Japanese for so: rat and doku: poison), is caused by the gram-negative bacillus Spirillum minus and is ...
• [4] Sodoku is a bacterial zoonotic disease. It is caused by outnumbered spirochaete Spirillum minus. It is a form of rat-bite fever (RBF).
• [7] A primary bacterial infectious disease that results_in infection, has_material_basis_in Spirillum minus, which is transmitted_by contact with urine or ...

Sodoku, also known as Spirillary rat-bite fever, presents with a range of symptoms that can vary in severity and duration.

Common symptoms:

• Fever [6][8]
• Headache [5][11]
• Muscle pain [5][11]
• Joint pain or swelling [11]
• Rash with red or purple patches and bumps [6][12]

Other possible symptoms:

• Chills [6]
• Vomiting [5][8]
• Nausea [5]
• Sore throat [5]
• Swollen lymph nodes near the bite site [4][10]
• Ulceration at the bite site [10][12]
• Lymphangitis and lymphadenopathy [12]

Symptom progression:

• Symptoms usually occur 7 to 21 days after exposure to an infected rodent [4][12]
• The wound through which the bacteria entered may exhibit slow healing and marked inflammation [13]
• Fever can last longer and be recurring, for months in some cases [13]

It's essential to note that symptoms can vary depending on individual factors and the severity of the infection. If you suspect you have been exposed to sodoku or are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

References:

[4] Context result 4 [6] Context result 6 [8] Context result 8 [10] Context result 10 [11] Context result 11 [12] Context result 12 [13] Context result 13

Diagnostic Tests for Sodoku Disease

Sodoku disease, also known as rat-bite fever, can be diagnosed through various tests that detect the presence of the causative bacteria, Spirillum minus or Streptobacillus moniliformis. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to confirm the diagnosis:

• Blood Tests: Blood samples are taken from the patient and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The blood is tested for the presence of antibodies against the bacteria, which can indicate an active infection.
  • Citation: [3] states that up to 50% of rat-bite fever patients have a falsely positive Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test; however, a negative treponemal test is usually reliable.
• Joint Fluid Analysis: A sample of fluid from the affected joint is taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The fluid is tested for the presence of bacteria or other signs of infection.
  • Citation: [5] mentions that blood or joint fluid is extracted and the organisms living in it are analyzed to diagnose streptobacillary rat-bite fever.
• Special Stains: Special stains, such as Giemsa and Wright stains, are used to stain the bacteria in the sample. This can help identify the presence of Spirillum minus or Streptobacillus moniliformis.
  • Citation: [7] states that Giemsa and Wright stains are most often used for staining, and if this is unsuccessful, then blood from inoculated mice is examined using dark-field microscopy.
• PCR Tests: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests can be used to detect the genetic material of the bacteria in a sample. This can help confirm the diagnosis of sodoku disease.
  • Citation: [13] mentions that specialized culture conditions or PCR tests are required for a diagnosis of rat-bite fever, as the initial clinical signs are nonspecific.

It's worth noting that a diagnosis of sodoku disease requires specialized laboratory testing and expertise. A healthcare provider will typically perform a physical examination, take a medical history, and order laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Sodoku disease, also known as Spirillum minus infection or rat-bite fever, can be treated with antibiotics.

• Penicillin G administration is considered the most effective treatment for non-allergic patients [3].
• Tetracycline and streptomycin are alternative treatments in penicillin-allergic patients [3].
• A 14-day course of antibiotics, usually starting with an IV antibiotic for 6 days, is recommended for treating streptobacillary rat-bite fever and spirillary rat-bite fever [4].

It's essential to note that prompt medical attention is crucial in preventing complications and ensuring effective treatment.

References: [3] The most effective antibiotic treatment is penicillin G administration in non-allergic patients and tetracycline and streptomycin in penicillin-allergic patients. [4] Treatment of streptobacillary rat-bite fever and spirillary rat-bite fever is a 14-day course of antibiotics that usually begins with an IV antibiotic for 6 to ...

The differential diagnosis of Sodoku, also known as Spirillary Rat-Bite Fever (RBF), involves considering various conditions that present with similar symptoms.

• Streptobacillosis: This is another type of rat-bite fever caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis. It can be differentiated from spirillary RBF clinically, but the differential diagnosis in the absence of rodent contact can be broader and include other bacterial infections, as well as rickettsial, spirochetal, and viral diseases [6].
• Coxsackievirus (hand-foot-mouth syndrome): This viral infection can present with fever, rash, and polyarthralgias, similar to Sodoku. However, it is typically seen in children and has a distinct clinical presentation.
• Meningococcal septicaemia: This bacterial infection can cause fever, rash, and joint pain, but it is usually accompanied by more severe symptoms such as meningitis or septic shock.
• Borrelia spp. (Lyme disease): Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can present with fever, rash, and polyarthralgias. However, it typically has a distinct erythema migrans rash and is associated with tick exposure.
• Malaria: This parasitic infection can cause fever, chills, and joint pain, but it is usually accompanied by more severe symptoms such as anemia or organ failure.
• Lymphoma: This type of cancer can present with fever, rash, and polyarthralgias, but it typically has a distinct clinical presentation and laboratory findings.

It's worth noting that the differential diagnosis of Sodoku can be extensive, and a thorough evaluation is necessary to rule out other conditions [4].