A few cases of rat-bite fever due to Streptobacillus moniliformis have been reported in laboratory workers. Since many laboratory rats carry the aetiological agent in the upper respiratory tract, the opportunity for human infections is high, and undiagnosed infections are probably commoner than is supposed. The symptoms and means of diagnosis of human cases are described, together with a brief account of the infection in laboratory animals. The human disease is also compared with rat-bite fever due to Spirillum minus, which on current evidence appears to be rarer than that due to Streptobacillus moniliformis.
References
1.
BrownT. M., & NunemakerJ. C. (1942). Rat-bite fever. A review of the American cases with revaluation of etiology; report of cases.Bull. Johns Hopkins Hasp.70, 201.
2.
DolmanC. E., KerrD. E., ChangH., & ShearerA. R. (1951). Two cases of rat-bite fever due to Streptobacillus moniliformis.Can. Publ. Hlth J.42, 228.
3.
HamburgerM., & KnowlesH. C. (1953). Streptobacillus moniliformis infection complicated by acute bacterial endocarditis.Archs intern. Med.92, 216.
4.
HayesE. R., KiddE. G., & CowanD. W. (1950). Rat-bite fever due to Streptobacillus moniliformis.J.-Lancet70, 394.
5.
HoldenF. A., & MacKayJ. C. (1964). Rat-bite fever—an occupational hazard.Can. med. Ass. J.91, 78.
6.
McGillR. C., MartinA. M., & EdmundsP. N. (1966). Rat-bite fever due to Streptobacillus moniliformis.Br. med. J. 1966 1, 1213.
7.
NelsonJ. B. (1957). The etiology and control of chronic respiratory diseases in the rat.Proc. Anim. Care Panel7, 30.
SawickiL., BruceH. M., & AndrewesC. H. (1962). Streptobacillus moniliformis infection as a probable cause of arrested pregnancy and abortion in laboratory mice.Br. J. exp. Path.43, 194.
11.
SmithW. (1941). Cervical abscesses of guinea pigs.J. Path. Bact.53, 29.
12.
StrangewaysW. I. (1933). Rats as carriers of Streptobacillus moniliformis.J. Path. Bact.37, 45.
13.
WilsonG. S., & MilesA. A. (1964). Topley and Wilson's principles of bacteriology and immunity, 5th ed., vol. 2, p. 1575. London: Arnold.
