Rat-bite fever history and symptoms

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Rat-bite fever Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Rat-bite fever from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Rat-bite fever history and symptoms On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Rat-bite fever history and symptoms

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Rat-bite fever history and symptoms

CDC on Rat-bite fever history and symptoms

Rat-bite fever history and symptoms in the news

Blogs on Rat-bite fever history and symptoms

Directions to Hospitals Treating Rat-bite fever

Risk calculators and risk factors for Rat-bite fever history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Initial symptoms are non-specific and include fever, chills, myalgias, arthralgias, headache, vomiting. Patients may develop a maculopapular rash on the extremities or septic arthritis 2-4 days after fever onset. The incubation period typically ranges from 2-10 days. If not appropriately treated, severe manifestations may include endocarditis, myocarditis, meningitis, pneumonia and sepsis. In rare cases, death occurs.

History and Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the bacteria that caused the infection. Symptoms due to Streptobacillus moniliformis may include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Joint pain, redness, or swelling
  • Rash

Symptoms due to Spirillum minus may include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Open sore at the site of the bite
  • Rash - may be red/purple plaques

The symptoms also include recurring fever, with body temperature 101-104 °F (38-40°C). The fever lasts for 2-4 days but recur generally at 4-8 weeks. This cycle may continue for months or years together. The other symptoms include regional lymphadenitis, malaise and headache. The complications include myocarditis, endocarditis, hepatitis, splenomegaly and meningitis.

References