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Rat bite fever (Streptobacillus moniliformis) with septicemia in a child
Insights
A child contracted Streptobacillus moniliformis infection from pet rats, presenting with fever and rash. Prompt antibiotic treatment led to a full recovery, highlighting early diagnosis importance for this rat-bite fever.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Zoonoses
Background:
- Rat-bite fever is a bacterial illness transmitted from rodents to humans.
- Early recognition and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old girl presented with fever, headache, nausea, and elevated C-reactive protein.
- She developed a distinctive maculopapular, petechial rash on her palms and soles.
- Exposure to pet rats that had died from an unknown illness preceded her symptoms.
Findings:
- Blood cultures confirmed Streptobacillus moniliformis as the causative agent.
- The patient improved rapidly following treatment with penicillin and chloramphenicol.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for zoonotic transmission of Streptobacillus moniliformis from pet rats.
- It highlights the importance of considering rat-bite fever in pediatric patients with compatible symptoms and potential rodent exposure.
- Effective antibiotic therapy can lead to complete recovery without long-term complications.
Abstract:
A 5-year-old girl was admitted to hospital with fever, headache and nausea. Her C-reactive protein raised from less than 11 mg/l to 65 mg/l and she developed a maculopapular, petechial rash, especially pronounced on the soles and palms. After incubation for 3 days, Streptobacillus moniliformis was found in all blood cultures that had been taken. Some weeks before her admission, the girl had been playing with her grandmother's pet rats, which later had died from an unknown disease. There was no history of rat bite. Her condition improved rapidly after treatment with penicillin and chloramphenicol, and she was discharged from hospital after 10 days without sequelae.