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Rat bite fever in a Greek child
K Konstantopoulos1, P Skarpas, F Hitjazis
1Department of Medicine, Amaliada General Hospital, Greece.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Rat bite fever, a rare infection in Europe, was diagnosed in a Greek boy. Streptobacillus moniliformis caused the illness, which resolved effectively with erythromycin treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Rat bite fever is an uncommon zoonotic disease.
- Streptobacillus moniliformis is the primary bacterial agent.
- Geographic distribution is typically North America and Asia.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old boy in rural Greece presented with symptoms consistent with rat bite fever.
- The patient had a history of a rat bite.
- Blood cultures confirmed the presence of Streptobacillus moniliformis.
Findings:
- The causative agent, Streptobacillus moniliformis, was successfully isolated.
- Erythromycin demonstrated high efficacy in treating the infection.
- This case highlights a rare occurrence in continental Europe.
Implications:
- Rat bite fever should be considered in the differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses following rat bites, even in Europe.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Surveillance for zoonotic diseases in rural settings may be warranted.