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Feeding of Ticks on Animals for Transmission and Xenodiagnosis in Lyme Disease Research
08:23

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Published on: August 31, 2013

Rat bite fever

Wim Gaastra1, Ron Boot, Hoa T K Ho

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Veterinary Microbiology
|November 15, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Rat bite fever (RBF) is a bacterial zoonosis caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis and Spirillum minus. This review details RBF

Area of Science:

  • Bacteriology
  • Zoonotic Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Rat bite fever (RBF) is a zoonotic bacterial infection.
  • Two primary causative agents are *Streptobacillus moniliformis* and *Spirillum minus*.
  • Haverhill fever (HF) is a distinct form of RBF resulting from ingestion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review RBF.
  • To detail causative agents, hosts, pathogenicity, diagnostics, therapy, epidemiology, transmission, and prevention.
  • To emphasize laboratory animal microbiology and propose future research.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing data.
  • Focus on information from laboratory animal microbiology.
  • Identification of knowledge gaps and research needs.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of *S. moniliformis* and *S. minus*.
  • Explanation of RBF pathogenesis, including virulence factors and host susceptibility.
  • Overview of diagnostic techniques, treatment options, and preventive measures.

Conclusions:

  • RBF requires careful consideration in both human and animal health.
  • Further research is needed, particularly in laboratory animal models.
  • Enhanced understanding can improve RBF prevention and management.

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