obsolete rat-bite fever

Obsolete Rat-Bite Fever: A Rare and Potentially Lethal Disease

Rat-bite fever (RBF) was once considered a rare and potentially lethal disease, but its classification as "obsolete" suggests that it is no longer commonly recognized or reported. However, the underlying bacteria responsible for this illness, Streptobacillus moniliformis, still pose a risk to humans.

Characteristics of Obsolete Rat-Bite Fever

The clinical syndrome associated with obsolete rat-bite fever was characterized by irregularly relapsing fever and asymmetric polyarthritis, followed within 2-4 days by a maculopapular rash [14]. This disease was often transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected rodent.

Transmission and Risk Factors

Rats can transmit Streptobacillus moniliformis, which may cause rat-bite fever (RBF), a rare and potentially lethal zoonosis [12]. Individuals at greatest risk include inhabitants of rat-infested dwellings, owners of pet rats, and laboratory workers who handle infected rodents.

Symptoms and Treatment

The symptoms of obsolete rat-bite fever typically begin 3 to 10 days after contact with rodents and may include fever, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, joint pain or swelling, and a rash [7]. If left untreated, this disease can be deadly. Prompt medical attention is essential for effective treatment.

References

• Mar 11, 1998 — The clinical syndrome is characterized by irregularly relapsing fever and asymmetric polyarthritis followed within 2-4 days by a maculopapular ...
• by T Kämmerer · 2021 · Cited by 15 — Rats can transmit Streptobacillus moniliformis, which may cause rat-bite fever (RBF), a rare and potentially lethal zoonosis.
• Mar 11, 1998 — The clinical syndrome is characterized by irregularly relapsing fever and asymmetric polyarthritis followed within 2-4 days by a maculopapular ...

Obsolete Rat-Bite Fever Signs and Symptoms

Rat-bite fever (RBF) was a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Streptobacillus moniliformis or Diplococcus plusulcus. Although it is no longer commonly reported, understanding its signs and symptoms can provide valuable insights into this disease.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

• Fever: A high temperature was a common symptom of RBF, often accompanied by chills [10][11].
• Headache: Headaches were frequently reported in individuals with RBF [10][11].
• Muscle and Joint Pain: Muscle pain (myalgia) and joint pain (arthralgia) were also common symptoms [10][11].
• Rash: A rash was a distinctive symptom of RBF, often appearing as a maculopapular rash [1][3][7].

Other Possible Symptoms:

• Vomiting: Vomiting was occasionally reported in individuals with RBF [9][11].
• Sore Throat: Sore throat and swollen lymph nodes were also possible symptoms [11].
• Ulcer at the Bite Site: In some cases, an ulcer developed at the site of the rat bite or scratch [14].

Timeline:

Symptoms typically appeared within 3 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria [12][13]. In some cases, symptoms may have occurred as early as 7 to 21 days after exposure [14].

It is essential to note that these signs and symptoms are based on historical reports of RBF and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. If you suspect you have been exposed to a rat or other animal with this disease, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

References:

[1] by A Błaż · 2023 · Cited by 3 [3] by S Pongsuttiyakorn · 2021 · Cited by 7 [7] by Y Hayakawa · 2017 · Cited by 9 [10] by M Abusalameh · 2018 · Cited by 5 [11] by A Błaż · 2023 · Cited by 3 [12] [13] [14]

Treatment Options for Obsolete Rat-Bite Fever

Rat-bite fever, caused by either Streptobacillus moniliformis or Spirillum minus bacteria, was once a significant public health concern. While the disease is still present in some parts of the world, its incidence has declined significantly due to improvements in sanitation and rodent control.

Antibiotic Treatment

The primary treatment for rat-bite fever involves the use of antibiotics (typically oral) for 7 to 14 days [3][6]. The recommended medications include:

• Penicillin G potassium vial
• Penicillin G procaine syringe
• Doxycycline
• Ceftriaxone
• Ampicillin
• Amoxicillin

These antibiotics can cure the disease if treatment is started soon after symptoms appear [5][6]. It is essential to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms subside, to prevent relapse and ensure proper recovery [7].

Importance of Early Treatment

Early treatment with antibiotics is crucial in preventing complications and ensuring a good prognosis. The outlook for patients who receive prompt treatment is excellent, whereas delayed or inadequate treatment can lead to severe consequences [3][6].

Medications Found for Rat-Bite Fever

According to medical sources, the following medications have been found effective in treating rat-bite fever:

• Penicillin G potassium vial
• Penicillin G procaine syringe
• Doxycycline
• Ceftriaxone
• Ampicillin
• Amoxicillin

These medications are typically administered orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the infection and individual patient needs [2].

References

[1] Diagnosis is clinical and confirmed by culture (of the streptobacillary form) and sometimes rising antibody titers. Treatment is with penicillin or doxycycline. [2] Penicillin. Ceftriaxone. Ampicillin. Amoxicillin. Doxycycline. You may take these antibiotics orally (as a pill with water) or intravenously (... [3] Rat-bite fever is treated with antibiotics (typically oral) for 7 to 14 days. Outlook (Prognosis). The outlook is excellent with early treatment. If it is not... [4] 8 medications found for 'rat bite fever' · penicillin g pot in 0.9 % nacl piggyback · penicillin g potassium vial · penicillin g procaine syringe · penicillin g... [5] Jul 9, 2024 — Antibiotics can cure the disease if treatment is started soon after you become sick. It is important that you follow your healthcare... [6] Oct 3, 2024 — Rat-bite fever is treated with antibiotics (typically oral) for 7 to 14 days. Outlook (Prognosis). The outlook is excellent with early treatment... [7] Dec 4, 2020 — Doctors treat RBF with antibiotics. It is important that people complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if they no longer feel sick. [8] Dec 4, 2022 — Rat-bite fever can be caused by either of two different bacteria, Streptobacillus moniliformis or Spirillum minus.

Differential Diagnosis of Obsolete Rat-Bite Fever

Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a rare and systemic illness caused by infection with Streptobacillus moniliformis or Spirillum minus. The differential diagnosis for RBF includes several conditions that present similar symptoms, making it essential to consider these possibilities when diagnosing the disease.

Conditions in Differential Diagnosis

• Streptococcal Pharyngitis: This bacterial infection can cause fever, headache, and sore throat, which are also symptoms of RBF.
• Viral Exanthem: Certain viral infections can lead to a rash and fever, making them a differential diagnosis for RBF.
• Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord can present with similar symptoms to RBF, such as fever and headache.
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF): This tick-borne illness can cause fever, rash, and headache, which are also symptoms of RBF.
• Ehrlichiosis: A bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, ehrlichiosis can present with similar symptoms to RBF, including fever and headache.
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS): Although rare, SARS can cause fever, headache, and respiratory symptoms that may be confused with RBF.

Key Considerations

When diagnosing RBF, it is crucial to consider these differential diagnoses and rule them out through further testing and evaluation. The clinical presentation of RBF can vary widely, making it essential to consider a broad range of possibilities when making a diagnosis.

• Clinical Presentation: RBF can present with fever, headache, sore throat, rash, and joint pain, among other symptoms.
• Laboratory Testing: Laboratory tests such as blood cultures and PCR can help confirm the diagnosis of RBF and rule out other differential diagnoses.
• Imaging Studies: Imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans may be necessary to evaluate for complications such as meningitis or pneumonia.

References

1. [4] Rat bite fever (RBF) is a rarely diagnosed, systemic illness caused by infection with Streptobacillus moniliformis.
2. [5] Differential diagnoses also included strep pharyngitis and viral exanthem. Meningitis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) were also considered.
3. [8] The differential diagnosis includes streptobacillary RBF and Haverhill fever (see these terms) and several bacterial and viral infections.

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