Rat-bite fever
Rat-bite fever (RBF) is an infectious disease that can be caused by two different bacteria. Streptobacillus moniliformis, the cause of streptobacillary RBF, is the most common cause in North America. Spirillum minus, the cause of spirillary RBF or sodoku, is most common in Asia.
Pronunciation
Rat-bite fever: /ræt baɪt ˈfiːvər/
Etymology
The term "Rat-bite fever" is derived from the method of transmission of the disease, which is often through a rat bite.
Symptoms
Symptoms of RBF include fever, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, and rash. If left untreated, RBF can be severe or even fatal.
Transmission
RBF is most commonly transmitted through a bite or scratch from a rodent, such as a rat, squirrel, or gerbil. It can also be contracted by handling a dead rodent or consuming food or drink contaminated with the bacteria.
Treatment
Antibiotics are used to treat RBF. Penicillin is the most common treatment for streptobacillary RBF, while doxycycline and ceftriaxone are commonly used to treat spirillary RBF.
Prevention
Prevention of RBF involves avoiding contact with rodents and taking precautions when handling rodents or cleaning areas where rodents have been present.
Related Terms
- Zoonotic diseases
- Streptobacillus moniliformis
- Spirillum minus
- Antibiotics
- Penicillin
- Doxycycline
- Ceftriaxone
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rat-bite fever
- Wikipedia's article - Rat-bite fever
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