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Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats
07:45

Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats

Published on: February 16, 2011

A rare and serious consequence of a rat bite

N D Downing1, G D Dewnany, P J Radford

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Queen's Medical Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham, UK.

Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|August 24, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Rat saliva or feces can cause rat bite fever from Streptobacillus moniliformis. A hip septic arthritis case in a boy, successfully treated with penicillin, highlights pet rat dangers.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

  • Rat bite fever is an infection caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis.
  • Transmission occurs through contact with infected rat saliva or feces.

Observation:

  • A 14-year-old boy developed septic arthritis of the hip.
  • The infection followed a rat bite on his finger from a pet shop rat.

Findings:

  • This is the first reported case of septic arthritis of the hip caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis.
  • The patient received successful treatment including arthrotomy, drainage, joint lavage, and penicillin administration.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential risk of zoonotic infections from pet rats.
  • Awareness and prompt medical attention are crucial for managing Streptobacillus moniliformis infections, especially in joint spaces.

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