Streptobacillary rat-bite fever: a pediatric problem

Area of Science:

• Pediatric infectious diseases
• Bacteriology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Rat-bite fever is a zoonotic infection caused by bacteria transmitted through rodent bites.
• Streptobacillary rat-bite fever, caused by *Streptobacillus moniliformis*, is less common than the spirillary form.

Observation:

• An 11-year-old boy presented with symptoms of streptobacillary rat-bite fever.
• The patient uniquely developed a subglottic mass and bilateral parotid swelling.
• Initial treatment with tetracycline resulted in relapse.

Findings:

• The patient ultimately recovered after a three-week course of penicillin.
• This case highlights an unusual presentation of streptobacillary rat-bite fever.
• Literature review on this rare clinical entity is presented.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of potential clinical manifestations of streptobacillary rat-bite fever.
• It underscores the importance of considering diverse presentations in pediatric infectious diseases.
• Effective treatment strategies may involve prolonged antibiotic courses, such as penicillin.