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Haverhill fever with spine involvement

Hani Abdulaziz1, Claire Touchie, Baldwin Toye

  • 1Division of Rheumatology, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

The Journal of Rheumatology
|July 6, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Haverhill fever and rat-bite fever, caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis, can present with severe joint pain, including the spine. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for this potentially fatal infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Rheumatology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Haverhill fever and rat-bite fever are related syndromes caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis.
  • These infections typically present with fever, rash, and polyarthritis.

Observation:

  • A case of Streptobacillus moniliformis infection is presented with acute polyarthritis involving the spine.
  • Spinal involvement has not been previously reported in S. moniliformis infections.

Findings:

  • The case highlights that S. moniliformis infection can manifest with spinal polyarthritis.
  • Diagnosis can be challenging without fever or clear rodent exposure.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness of S. moniliformis is needed for accurate diagnosis, especially with atypical presentations like spinal involvement.
  • Prompt recognition and treatment are vital for managing this potentially fatal but treatable infection.

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