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[Sodoku--a case report]
S L Hinrichsen1, S Ferraz, M Romeiro
1Serviço de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife.
Abstract:
Rat-bite fever results from an infection with the organism Spirillum minus. The authors report a symptomatic patient with fever, malaise, and ulcer in forehead after a rodent exposure. The organism was identified in darkfield examination of the ulcer exudate. Penicillin was the drug used with clinical improvement of symptoms.
Insights
Rat-bite fever, caused by Spirillum minus infection, presents with fever and malaise. Early diagnosis via darkfield microscopy and penicillin treatment led to symptom improvement in a patient with a forehead ulcer.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a zoonotic disease caused by Spirillum minus or Streptobacillus moniliformis.
- Rodent exposure is the primary transmission route for RBF.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing RBF symptoms.
Observation:
- A patient presented with fever, malaise, and a forehead ulcer following known rodent exposure.
- Spirillum minus was identified in ulcer exudate using darkfield microscopy.
- The clinical presentation suggested a diagnosis of rat-bite fever.
Findings:
- Darkfield examination confirmed the presence of Spirillum minus in the patient's ulcer exudate.
- The patient received penicillin for treatment.
- Clinical improvement of fever and malaise was observed after penicillin administration.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering RBF in patients with relevant exposure history and suggestive symptoms.
- Darkfield microscopy is an effective diagnostic tool for identifying Spirillum minus in RBF cases.
- Penicillin remains a viable and effective treatment for Spirillum minus infections, leading to favorable patient outcomes.