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Rat bite fever mimicking rheumatoid arthritis
L Legout1, E Senneville, D Mulleman
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland. laurence.legout@hcuge.ch
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|July 14, 2005
Summary
A pet shop employee developed joint pain resembling rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosis confirmed Streptobacillus moniliformis infection, successfully treated with surgery and antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Polyarthritis can present with diverse etiologies, sometimes mimicking autoimmune conditions.
- Zoonotic bacterial infections are an important consideration in individuals with occupational exposure to animals.
Observation:
- A pet shop employee presented with polyarthritis symptoms.
- Joint fluid analysis revealed a Gram-negative bacillus.
Findings:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identified the bacterium as Streptobacillus moniliformis.
- The patient experienced a favorable outcome following treatment.
Implications:
- This case highlights Streptobacillus moniliformis as a potential cause of polyarthritis.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy (e.g., rifampin-clindamycin) are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Consideration of zoonotic infections is important in patients with relevant occupational exposures.