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Updated: Jul 28, 2026
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
Summary
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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