Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
10:37
Cultivation Methods of Spirochetes from Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Complex and Relapsing Fever Borrelia
Published on: November 25, 2022
Rat bite fever and Streptobacillus moniliformis.
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85724-5073, USA. selliott@peds.arizona.edu
Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|January 16, 2007
Summary
Rat bite fever, caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis, is a serious illness often missed due to vague symptoms and difficult diagnosis. Early recognition is crucial as untreated cases have a 10% mortality rate.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rat bite fever (RBF) is a systemic illness caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis.
- Classical symptoms include fever, rigors, and polyarthralgias.
- Untreated RBF has a 10% mortality rate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical and biological features of RBF and Streptobacillus moniliformis.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and features that aid in diagnosis.
- To emphasize the importance of considering RBF given the rise in pet rodents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical and microbiological data on Rat Bite Fever.
- Analysis of diagnostic difficulties associated with Streptobacillus moniliformis.
- Synthesis of information on RBF presentation and causative agent.
Main Results:
- Rat bite fever presents non-specifically, often delaying diagnosis.
- Difficulties in culturing Streptobacillus moniliformis contribute to diagnostic delays.
- Increased prevalence of pet rodents necessitates greater awareness of RBF.
Conclusions:
- Rat bite fever requires increased clinical and microbiological attention.
- Distinguishing features are essential for timely and accurate diagnosis.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital to reduce RBF mortality.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes
Spirochetes, unique bacteria in the phylum Spirochaetes, are gram-negative, motile, tightly coiled, slender, and flexible. They inhabit aquatic sediments and animals, with some causing diseases like syphilis. Spirochetes are classified into eight genera based on habitat, pathogenicity, phylogeny, and characteristics.Their distinctive motility arises from endoflagella, located within the cell’s periplasm. These endoflagella anchor at the cell poles and extend along the cell length, encased by a...
01:26Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
01:27Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
01:28Rabies
Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease caused by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. Its primary mode of transmission to humans is through bites or saliva-contaminated scratches from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, or foxes. Transmission can also occur if infectious saliva contacts abraded skin or intact mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva.Viral Entry and Early ReplicationOnce introduced at the bite or scratch...
01:30Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria
Coryneform bacteria are gram-positive, aerobic, nonmotile rods that exhibit irregular, club-shaped, or V-shaped arrangements. Their V-shape results from snapping division, where the inner cell wall layer forms the cross-wall, while the outer layer remains intact until it ruptures on one side, causing the daughter cells to bend away.The primary genera are Corynebacterium and Arthrobacter. Corynebacterium includes diverse species, ranging from saprophytes to pathogens like Corynebacterium...
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.