Rat Bite Fever: Variability in Clinical Presentation and Management in Children

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2021 Nov 1;40(11):e439-e442. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003222.

Abstract

Rat bite fever is a systemic illness most commonly caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis that is classically characterized by fever, rash and migratory polyarthritis. Here, we highlight the highly variable clinical presentations of rat bite fever in children and the importance of maintaining a high degree of suspicion so appropriate treatment can be promptly initiated.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Animals
  • Arthritis, Infectious / microbiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Management*
  • Exanthema / microbiology
  • Female
  • Fever / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Rat-Bite Fever / complications
  • Rat-Bite Fever / diagnosis*
  • Rat-Bite Fever / microbiology
  • Rats
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Streptobacillus / pathogenicity*

Supplementary concepts

  • Streptobacillus moniliformis