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Rat bite fever caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis infection in a Chinese patient
Wei-Wei Zhang1, Yi-Bing Hu2, Guo-Xin He1
1Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325200, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Rat bite fever (RBF), a severe infectious disease, can result from transmission of the pathogen Streptobacillus moniliformis (S. moniliformis) by rat bite. RBF diagnosis can be overlooked.
Case Presentation:
We present a case of RBF in a Chinese patient who was infected with S. moniliformis in mainland China. Meta-next generation sequencing (mNGS) was used to identify potential pathogens and detected S. moniliformis genome sequences in the pustular sample in less than 72 h. Then the diagnosis was validated by polymerase chain reaction analysis. Despite having severe RBF with complications, this 54-year-old male patient was successfully cured with penicillin as a result of timely pathogen-based diagnosis.
Conclusions:
Physicians should inquire about recent rat exposure and consider the possibility of RBF when a patient develops unexplained fever and rashes. mNGS is a new diagnostic technology and may identify RBF pathogens even when blood culture results are negative.
Insights
Rat bite fever (RBF) is a severe infectious disease caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis. Early diagnosis using advanced methods like meta-next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is crucial for successful treatment with antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Diagnostic Technologies
Background:
- Rat bite fever (RBF) is a serious infection transmitted by rats, caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis.
- Diagnosis of RBF is often challenging and can be overlooked by healthcare professionals.
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