Streptobacillus: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:33, 16 February 2025

Streptobacillus[edit]

Streptobacillus is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria that are known for their characteristic chain-like formation. These bacteria are facultatively anaerobic and are commonly found in the upper respiratory tract of rodents. Streptobacillus is of particular interest in medical microbiology due to its role in causing rat-bite fever in humans.

Morphology[edit]

Streptobacilli are rod-shaped bacteria that typically form chains. They are non-motile and do not form spores. The cells are usually 0.5 to 0.8 micrometers in diameter and 2 to 5 micrometers in length. The cell wall of Streptobacillus is thin, characteristic of Gram-negative bacteria, and contains a lipopolysaccharide layer.

Pathogenicity[edit]

Streptobacillus moniliformis is the most well-known species within this genus and is the causative agent of rat-bite fever. This zoonotic infection is transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected rodents, or through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Symptoms of rat-bite fever include fever, rash, and arthritis, and if left untreated, the disease can be fatal.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of infections caused by Streptobacillus involves culturing the bacteria from blood or synovial fluid samples. The bacteria can be identified by their characteristic chain formation and biochemical tests. Molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can also be used for more rapid and accurate identification.

Treatment[edit]

Infections caused by Streptobacillus are typically treated with antibiotics. Penicillin is the drug of choice, but other antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline may also be effective. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures include avoiding contact with rodents and maintaining good hygiene practices. In laboratory settings, proper handling and disposal of rodent specimens are essential to prevent transmission.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Streptobacillus''' is a genus of [[Gram-negative bacteria]] that is part of the family [[Leptotrichiaceae]]. The most well-known species within this genus is ''[[Streptobacillus moniliformis]]'', which is the causative agent of [[Rat-bite fever]] and [[Haverhill fever]].
+== Streptobacillus ==
+[[File:20100905_205851_Streptobacilli.jpg|thumb|right|Streptobacilli under a microscope]]
-== Characteristics ==
+'''Streptobacillus''' is a genus of [[Gram-negative]] bacteria that are known for their characteristic chain-like formation. These bacteria are facultatively anaerobic and are commonly found in the upper respiratory tract of rodents. Streptobacillus is of particular interest in medical microbiology due to its role in causing [[rat-bite fever]] in humans.
-Streptobacillus bacteria are [[rod-shaped]] and often form chains or filaments. They are [[facultative anaerobes]], meaning they can survive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments. They are also [[fastidious bacteria]], requiring specific nutrients to grow.
+== Morphology ==
+Streptobacilli are rod-shaped bacteria that typically form chains. They are non-motile and do not form spores. The cells are usually 0.5 to 0.8 micrometers in diameter and 2 to 5 micrometers in length. The cell wall of Streptobacillus is thin, characteristic of Gram-negative bacteria, and contains a lipopolysaccharide layer.
 == Pathogenicity ==
+[[File:20100905_205851_Streptobacilli.jpg|thumb|left|Close-up of Streptobacillus morphology]]
+Streptobacillus moniliformis is the most well-known species within this genus and is the causative agent of rat-bite fever. This zoonotic infection is transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected rodents, or through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Symptoms of rat-bite fever include fever, rash, and arthritis, and if left untreated, the disease can be fatal.
-''Streptobacillus moniliformis'' is the most pathogenic species within the Streptobacillus genus. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected rat, leading to the disease known as rat-bite fever. Symptoms of this disease include fever, vomiting, headache, and muscle pain. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as [[endocarditis]] and [[meningitis]].
+== Diagnosis ==
+Diagnosis of infections caused by Streptobacillus involves culturing the bacteria from blood or synovial fluid samples. The bacteria can be identified by their characteristic chain formation and biochemical tests. Molecular methods such as [[polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR) can also be used for more rapid and accurate identification.
 == Treatment ==
+Infections caused by Streptobacillus are typically treated with antibiotics. [[Penicillin]] is the drug of choice, but other antibiotics such as [[doxycycline]] or [[tetracycline]] may also be effective. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.
-Treatment for infections caused by ''Streptobacillus moniliformis'' typically involves antibiotics such as [[penicillin]] or [[tetracycline]]. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
+== Prevention ==
+Preventive measures include avoiding contact with rodents and maintaining good hygiene practices. In laboratory settings, proper handling and disposal of rodent specimens are essential to prevent transmission.
-== See also ==
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Gram-negative bacteria]]
 * [[Rat-bite fever]]
-* [[Haverhill fever]]
+* [[Zoonosis]]
-* [[Leptotrichiaceae]]
+* [[Antibiotic treatment]]
-* [[Gram-negative bacteria]]
-== References ==
-<references />
+{{Bacteria}}
-[[Category:Bacteria]]
 [[Category:Gram-negative bacteria]]
-[[Category:Rod-shaped bacteria]]
+[[Category:Zoonotic bacterial diseases]]
-[[Category:Facultative anaerobes]]
-[[Category:Fastidious bacteria]]
-[[Category:Pathogenic bacteria]]
-[[Category:Streptobacillus]]
-{{stub}}