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Feeding of Ticks on Animals for Transmission and Xenodiagnosis in Lyme Disease Research
08:23

Feeding of Ticks on Animals for Transmission and Xenodiagnosis in Lyme Disease Research

Published on: August 31, 2013

Rat-bite fever (Streptobacillus moniliformis): a potential emerging disease

M H Graves1, J M Janda

  • 1State of California, Department of Health Services, Microbial Diseases Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94704, USA.

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
|November 29, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Human infections from Streptobacillus moniliformis, causing rat-bite fever (RBF), are increasingly identified. Physicians should consider RBF in patients with fever, rash, and rodent exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

  • Human infections with Streptobacillus moniliformis, the causative agent of rat-bite fever (RBF), are zoonotic.
  • Increasing human exposure to zoonotic diseases is linked to environmental changes and animal interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of human infections caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis in California over three decades.
  • To analyze the characteristics of S. moniliformis isolates from human sources.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of S. moniliformis cultures identified by the Microbial Diseases Laboratory (MDL) from 1970 to 1998.
  • Review of isolate data, including source, patient demographics, and suspected diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • 45 S. moniliformis isolates were analyzed; 91% were from human sources.
  • 58% of isolates were received since 1990, with 50% from patients 9 years or younger.
  • Rat-bite fever (RBF) was suspected in 75% of diagnosed human infections, often linked to rat bites or rodent exposure (83%).

Conclusions:

  • Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a recognizable and treatable zoonotic disease.
  • Physicians should consider RBF in patients presenting with fever, rash, and a history of rat exposure.
  • Environmental factors may increase the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.

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