What Is Rat Bite Fever? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Vamsi Krishna Kedarisetti , General Medicine

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Rat-bite fever is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected rodents, such as rats. This disease can have a significant impact on a person's health, leading to various complications if left untreated. It is essential to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect you have been exposed to rat-bite fever to prevent further health issues.

What Are the Types of Rat-Bite Fever?

Rat-bite fever can present in different forms, each with its own set of symptoms and complications. The varying types of rat-bite fever can range from mild to severe, impacting individuals differently based on the specific bacteria involved and the body's reaction to the infection.

Streptobacillary Rat-Bite Fever: Caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis bacteria, this type of rat-bite fever typically presents with fever, rash, and joint pain.
Spirillary Rat-Bite Fever: Also known as sodoku, this type is caused by Spirillum minus bacteria and is characterized by ulceration at the site of the rat bite, fever, and regional lymphadenopathy.
Haverhill Fever: Caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis bacteria, Haverhill fever is transmitted through contaminated food or water and can lead to fever, rash, and joint pain.
Seoul Virus Infection: Transmitted by the brown rat, this type is caused by the Seoul virus and can lead to flu-like symptoms, renal failure, and hemorrhagic fever.
Pasteurella Infection: Although not technically a type of rat-bite fever, Pasteurella multocida bacteria commonly found in the mouths of rats can cause infection if bitten, leading to localized swelling, redness, and pain at the wound site.

What are the Symptoms of Rat-Bite Fever?

Rat-bite fever is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected rodents. The symptoms of this disease typically manifest a few days to a few weeks after exposure. Patients may experience a range of general symptoms that can affect various parts of the body.

These symptoms can vary in severity and may require medical attention to prevent complications. It is important to seek prompt medical care if you suspect you have been exposed to rat-bite fever to receive appropriate treatment and prevent further health issues.

Fever
Headache
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Rash

What Causes Rat-Bite Fever?

Rat-bite fever is typically caused by bacteria found in the mouths and noses of rodents, particularly rats. These bacteria can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected rodents or through contact with their urine or droppings. Additionally, handling rodents or being in areas infested with rodents can also lead to the transmission of rat-bite fever.

Rat bites
Handling infected rats or their urine
Consuming food or water contaminated with rat feces
Exposure to areas infested with rats

When Should You See a Doctor for Rat-Bite Fever?

If you develop symptoms after a rat bite, scratch, or contact with rodents, seek medical evaluation by an Infectious Disease Specialist or General Physician as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment with appropriate antibiotics can help prevent serious complications and improve recovery.

You should see a doctor if you have:

Fever, rash, or joint pain following a rat bite or rodent exposure.
Redness, swelling, or pain around the bite or scratch.
Persistent flu-like symptoms after handling rodents.

Get medical help immediately if:

High fever with severe weakness or confusion.
Difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe joint swelling.
Rapidly worsening symptoms despite initial care.

These could be signs of a serious complication of Rat-Bite Fever that requires prompt medical care.

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How is Rat-Bite Fever Diagnosed?

Rat-bite fever is typically diagnosed by healthcare providers through various methods to confirm the infection. Symptoms and history of rat exposure are key factors in the diagnostic process. Laboratory tests may be conducted to detect the presence of the bacteria responsible for the infection.

Additionally, physical examination and medical imaging may aid in diagnosing complications associated with rat-bite fever. Early diagnosis is crucial for prompt treatment and management of the infection.

Physical Examination
Blood Cultures
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Testing
Serologic Testing
Imaging Studies (X-rays, Ultrasound)

What is the Treatment for Rat-Bite Fever?

Rat-bite fever, caused by bacteria from rat bites or scratches, requires prompt treatment to prevent complications. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to eliminate the infection. Additionally, supportive care such as pain management and hydration may be necessary. If you suspect rat-bite fever, seek medical attention promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Antibiotics: The primary treatment for rat-bite fever involves a course of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection.
Wound care: Proper wound cleaning and care are essential to prevent secondary infections and promote healing after a rat bite.
Pain management: Over-the-counter pain medications may be recommended to alleviate discomfort associated with rat-bite fever.
Rest and hydration: Adequate rest and staying hydrated can help the body fight the infection and recover more effectively.
Follow-up care: Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is crucial to ensure the infection is resolving and to address any potential complications promptly.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Rat-Bite Fever?

Rat-bite fever is primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected rodents. Additionally, handling rodents or consuming food or water contaminated with their excreta can also pose a risk.

Exposure to rats or their droppings
Handling of contaminated material
Living in crowded or unsanitary conditions
Lack of proper hygiene practices

What Are the Complications of Rat-Bite Fever?

If left untreated, rat-bite fever can spread beyond the initial infection and affect multiple organs. Early treatment significantly reduces the risk of complications.

Septic arthritis
Endocarditis
Meningitis
Pneumonia
Sepsis
Abscess formation

How Can Rat-Bite Fever Be Prevented?

Preventing rat-bite fever involves reducing exposure to rodents and practicing proper hygiene after contact with animals or contaminated environments. Prompt wound care and rodent control can lower the risk of infection.

Avoid direct contact with wild rodents.
Wear protective gloves when handling rodents.
Wash all bites and scratches immediately with soap and water.
Keep homes and workplaces free from rodent infestations.
Seek medical care after any rat bite or suspected exposure.

What is the Prognosis for Rat-Bite Fever?

With early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, most people recover completely from rat-bite fever. Delayed treatment increases the risk of serious complications, making prompt medical attention essential for the best outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is rat-bite fever?

Rat-bite fever is a rare bacterial infection caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis or Spirillum minus, usually transmitted through bites, scratches, or contact with infected rodents.

2. What are the symptoms of rat-bite fever?

Symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, rash, and, in some cases, swelling of the joints.

3. How is rat-bite fever diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on a history of rodent exposure, physical examination, blood tests, bacterial cultures, and, when appropriate, molecular tests to identify the causative bacteria.

4. How is rat-bite fever treated?

Treatment typically involves antibiotics, most commonly penicillin or other appropriate antibiotics if penicillin cannot be used. Severe cases may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.

5. How can rat-bite fever be prevented?

Prevention includes avoiding contact with rodents, wearing protective gloves when handling rodents, maintaining good hygiene, controlling rodent infestations, and cleaning bite or scratch wounds immediately.

6. How do you confirm rat-bite fever?

Confirmation is made through clinical evaluation, a history of rodent exposure, blood cultures, cultures from affected tissues or joint fluid, and specialized laboratory testing when available.

7. Do I need anti-rabies after a rat bite?

In most cases, rabies vaccination is not recommended after rat bites, as rats and other small rodents rarely transmit rabies. However, you should seek medical evaluation promptly for wound care, assessment of infection risk, and to determine whether a tetanus booster or antibiotics are needed.

8. How long does rat-bite fever last?

With appropriate antibiotic treatment, symptoms usually begin to improve within a few days, and most people recover within 1 to 2 weeks. Untreated infection can lead to serious complications.

9. How do you treat rat-bite fever at home?

Home care is not sufficient to treat rat-bite fever. Clean the wound immediately with soap and water, keep it covered, and seek medical care as soon as possible because prescription antibiotics are necessary to prevent serious complications.