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[Rat bite fever after a bite from a tame pet rat]
B Schuurman1, A J van Griethuysen, J H Marcelis
1Afd. Interne Geneeskunde, Twee Stedenziekenhuis, Tilburg.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|December 18, 1998
Summary
Rat bite fever, a rare illness, can cause fever, rash, and joint pain after a rodent encounter. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics like penicillin G are crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Rat bite fever (RBF) is a bacterial illness transmitted through bites or scratches from infected rodents.
- RBF can present with diverse symptoms, often mimicking other conditions, making diagnosis challenging.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old woman developed fever, a distinctive rash on extremities and palms/soles, severe joint pain, and arthritis.
- Symptoms appeared eight days after a pet rat bite, leading to a diagnosis of RBF.
Findings:
- The patient's RBF was successfully treated with intravenous penicillin G, followed by oral doxycycline.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is critical, despite numerous differential diagnostic considerations.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering RBF in patients with febrile illness and characteristic eruptions after rodent exposure.
- Effective antibiotic regimens, including penicillin and doxycycline, can lead to complete recovery from rat bite fever.