RAT-BITE FEVER

RAT-BITE FEVER


Rat-bite fever (RBF) is an uncommon bacterial infection that results from exposure to infected rodents, usually through a bite or scratch wound. It is also known as Haverhill fever, streptobacillary fever, and epidemic arthritic erythema.



MORBIDITY: +




MORTALITY: +




ETIOLOGY: BACTERIAL


RBF is caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis, a gram-negative bacillus.



HOSTS


S. moniliformis is found in the mouth, nasopharynx, nasal and ocular discharges, feces, and urine of laboratory and wild rodents. It has also been found in pet rats. All appear to be healthy carriers.



TRANSMISSION


RBF is transmitted to people from the mouth of an infected rodent through a bite or scratch wound; through ingestion of food, water, or milk contaminated with feces or urine; or through contact with ocular or nasal discharges of an infected rat. RBF is not transmitted from person to person.



RAT-BITE FEVER IN ANIMALS


Wild and laboratory rodents appear to be reservoirs of S. moniliformis, but are not affected by the organism. Immunodeficient mice and rats may develop polyarthritis, gangrene, and loss of limbs.

Related posts:

  1. ABOUT THE DISEASES
  2. CAMPYLOBACTERIOSIS (VIBRIOSIS)
  3. MYCOBACTERIUM INFECTIONS (TUBERCULOSIS)
  4. PSITTACOSIS

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Oct 1, 2016 | Posted by in EXOTIC, WILD, ZOO | Comments Off on RAT-BITE FEVER

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