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Rat-Bite Fever (RBF): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Complications

Rat-Bite Fever (RBF): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Complications

The Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a dangerous and a rare bacterial disease, is typically transmitted by the bite of an infected rat. The RBF could also spread if you seem to be scratched by an infected rat or if you come into touch...

The Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a dangerous and a rare bacterial disease, is typically transmitted by the bite of an infected rat. The RBF could also spread if you seem to be scratched by an infected rat or if you come into touch with the rat urine, stool (feces), or the saliva.

The RBF disease can be a dangerous infection that can possibly become fatal. If you come into contact with the rat and begin to experience the symptoms of RBF, contact and avail the Free Doctor’s Consultation Service at Ganesh Diagnostic and get tested immediately. 

What is Rat Bite Fever?

The Rat-bite fever (RBF) is known to be an infectious disease which is caused by the two different bacteria, namely:

  • Streptobacillus moniliformis
  • Spirillum minus ( most common in Asia)

Haverhill Fever: The individuals tend to become infected with this bacterium after any contact with the rodents that are carrying this bacteria. A person could also be infected through the consumption of contaminated food or water with either urine and the feces droppings of the rodents carrying this bacteria. 

Symptoms of Rat Bite Fever

The Rat Fever Symptoms that can be seen in the individuals are as follows:

Symptoms of Rat Bite Fever

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Muscle pain
  • Vomiting
  • Joint pain 
  • Rash 
  • Pus drainage
  • Redness
  • Heat from the wound
  • Joint swelling

The symptoms of the rat fever are seen to usually begin starting off from 3 to about 10 days after the contact with the organism and bacteria; however, it could also be delayed for as long as about 3 weeks. By this time, if there is any rodent bite or the scratch of wound, that causes infection, the wound would heal well. According to statistics, around 50% of the individuals experience Joint Pain and 75% of the patients develop a significant rash.

Progression: A rash may develop on your hands and feet two to four days after you first suffer a fever. This rash appears as tiny pimples scattered across flat, reddish areas. Then, one or more joints can swell, turn red, or hurt.

Spirillum Rat Bite Fever

S. minus RBF symptoms often appear one to three weeks following contact with an infected mouse. Compared to Streptobacillus RBF, they are more varied.

Rat Bite Symptoms that can be seen in the patients are as follows:

  • Relapsing Fever
  • Irritation Ulcer at bite wound
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes
  • Wound Site Swelling
  • Red and Purple Rash

Mode of Transmission 

The different modes of transmission of rat bite fever are as follows:

  • Via the bite wound
  • Rat Scratches
  • Bite from the Rat
  • Open skin wound
  • Mucous membranes of mouth
  • Mucous membranes of nose
  • Through liquid from eyes
  • Saliva of rat

The Dogs and the cats that are kept in homes and are exposed to rats, also have the potential to spread the disease and later infect other people.

Is Rat Bite Dangerous?

A rat bite is dangerous if it turns into rat bite fever, a bacterial illness. Treat the bite from a rat as soon as possible and take it seriously.

Generally speaking, rats are more terrified of you than you are of them, but you never know what a wild animal may do. Pet rats carry the same types of bacteria in their mouths as wild rodents and can attack if they feel threatened.

Complications of streptobacillary RBF 

The different complications of rat bite Fever are as follows:

Complications of streptobacillary RBF

  • Abscesses 
  • Pneumonitis
  • Hepatitis liver 
  • Nephritis- Kidneys 
  • Myocarditis 
  • Meningitis
  • Endocarditis
  • Endocarditis
  • Pericarditis
  • Fulminant sepsis
  • Death ( 1 out of 10 cases)
  • Liver Abscess
  • Failure of Adrenal gland 

When to Visit a Doctor at Ganesh Diagnostic for Diagnosis?

Always see the healthcare professional at the best pathology lab, Ganesh Diagnostic following a rat bite, even if you treated it at home. You might require stitches or a tetanus shot. Due to the possibility of scarring or loss of function, wounds on the hands or face should always be assessed and are especially concerning.

The diagnosis of the rat bite fever includes testing, which is as follows:

  • An infection panel test measures the body's immune reaction to germs by testing blood and urine. 
  • Various procedures, including blood antibody tests, are employed based on the type of symptoms encountered. 
  • The blood samples may be used to cultivate bacteria.
  • The organisms living in blood or joint fluid are cultured in order to diagnose streptobacillary rat-bite fever. 
  • Spirillary rat bite fever can be diagnosed by direct sight of the spirilla or by cultivating it from blood smears, tissue from lesions, or lymph nodes.

Understand the First-Aid Steps immediately after a Rat Bite

There are known to be several steps for management and treatment of rat bite and rat fever that should be taken right after the individual is bit by the rat, these are as follows:

  • Remove all rings or jewellery from the infected finger, as it is going to swell.
  • Control bleeding by then pressing firmly on wound with either gauze pad or the clean paper towel.
  • Clean the wound (from inside) with warm water and soap.
  • Cover this wound with the clean bandage, for dry dressing.
  • Apply Antibiotic ointment on the wound before you cover it.
  • If the rodent is caught: Ask the vet to analyze if the rat is carrying any infection.

Treatment of Rat Bite Fever

If the rodent bites the concerning the person, your area should thoroughly washed and also cleansed quickly to minimize the risk of any infection. As it has been seen that the untreated cases could have mortality rate going to 10%. The infection would be usually treated with the antibiotics such as Penicillin or Tetracycline.

Antibiotic Treatment for Rat Bite Fever

Other antibiotics that are used for antibiotic treatment are as follows:

  • Penicillin
  • Amoxicillin 
  • Doxycycline
  • Erythromycin

For Free Consultation from the Doctor 

  • Contact- Dr. Sonal Sharma, (MBBS, MD in Pathology)
  • Available: 24*7*365
  • Phone Number: +91 9212125996

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, the Rat Bite Fever Test Center Near You

The Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre has a long history of giving its patients exceptional care and attention. Many satisfied years' worth of patients!
Since 2001, it has grown into a respected and renowned diagnostic facility.
Their knowledge is attested to by their NABL and NABH Accreditations.

The NABH accreditation attests to the highest caliber of patient care and assistance. Based on a few national and international criteria, NABL accreditation reflects the proficiency of laboratories and equipment.
Digital access to the test report is also available.
With all services provided under one roof, Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop shop for all test needs.

The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price and Free Home Sample Collection Facility. 

Access Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center as it is the Blood Laboratory Near me, with multiple pathology blood tests, catering to your specific needs. We are 24 hour pathology lab with being the best blood screening lab.

The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests. 

We also provide- Free Home Sample Collection, Free Ambulance Service (Pick-up and Drop Service) and Free Consultation from the Doctor itself.

Free Home Sample Collection

Obtaining blood samples for diagnostic testing at home is a practical and efficient method. Patients with mobility challenges, hectic schedules, or trouble traveling can benefit from this method. 

We offer phlebotomists with advanced training to do blood and urine tests at your house. Home blood sample tests are rapid, simple, and comfortable. It's easy to make an online reservation for home collection services. Book now!

Arrange for a home pickup and receive reports whenever and wherever you choose!

Our service starts at six in the morning and lasts until six o'clock at night.

Scan and Test charges are competitively priced. Additionally, Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center offers numerous tests at FLAT 50% OFF

Call Now for Free Home Sample Collection Service!

If you have any query, contact us

Cost of Rat Bite Fever Test in Delhi

The Rat Bite Fever Test price varies by region and facility. So constantly get tested at trustworthy diagnostic centers like Ganesh Diagnostic. It is staffed by trained and experienced professionals to assure patient and visitor safety.

There are multiple tests that are done to monitor any specific symptoms so, get your Rat Bit Fever Test done at your nearest Ganesh Diagnostic Center.

Here is a list of the similar tests conducted at our center for your Rat Bite Fever

FAQs on Rat Fever

What is the medical name for rat fever?

Rat-bite fever is a zoonotic disease that causes acute relapsing fever with migrating polyarthralgia. It is also referred to as spirillary fever,streptobacillosis,, bogger, and epidemic arthritic erythema. The rodents can spread it to people by their urine or mucous secretions.

What viruses can rats carry?

Disease issues exist for both pet and wild rodents and rabbits, including hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, and mice. Numerous illnesses can be transmitted by them, such as leptospirosis, hantavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), tularemia, and salmonella.

How can you prevent the transmission of rat fever?

After handling rats, avoid touching your lips and face. After handling rats, their cages, bedding, urine, or droppings, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and warm water.

Which test is done for rat fever?

S. moniliformis is isolated through culture from blood, synovial fluid, other bodily fluids, afflicted tissues (such as abscessed organs), or original lesions in order to diagnose RBF.

What is the vaccine for rat fever?

After an animal bite, thoroughly wash the area with soap and water. An oral course of amoxicillin clavulanate for two or three days may help avoid infection. A evaluation of the tetanus vaccine's necessity is warranted.

Conclusion

Rat Bite fever commonly occurs in the population that is at risk of developing rat fever, for example: individuals who prefer keeping rats as pets, feeding the rats to other pets, the ones who are exposed to rats through laboratory work and the ones with immunity that is compromised in nature. Most often than not, it could also be easily contacted by vulnerable groups such as pregnant and breastfeeding women along with old aged individuals. The best way to get checked early if symptoms are felt at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center, to ensure that a definite treatment plan can be issued ahead.