Bacteremia by Streptobacillus moniliformis: first case described in Spain

Described here is the case of an 87-year-old man who developed fever, chills and discomfort caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis. This pathogen is one of the causes of rat-bite fever, an uncommon bacterial illness transmitted through a bite or scratch from a rodent or the ingestion of food or water contaminated with rat faeces. Cases of rat-bite fever are rarely reported in Spain. The patient reported no history of rat bite or rodent contact, and the only known risk factor was contact with a dog and a cat that were kept as pets. Streptobacillus moniliformis was isolated in two sets of blood cultures. This case represents what is believed to be the first report of bacteremia due to Streptobacillus moniliformis in Spain.