Rat Bite Research Articles

Rat bite fever on Vancouver Island: 2010-2016.

Rat bite fever (RBF) is a rare bacterial zoonotic infection caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis and Spirillum minus, which are found naturally in rodent respiratory tracts. Recently, multiple cases of RBF were observed on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. To conduct a case series analysis of cases of RBF on Vancouver Island between 2010 and 2016 to characterize the epidemiology, presentation, microbiology and treatment of RBF. Cases were identified through queries of discharge diagnosis and microbiology laboratory information. Clinical details were collected through review of electronic and paper chart reviews of hospital documentation from Island Health. Eleven cases of RBF on Vancouver Island were identified between 2010 and 2016. Most cases of RBF were confirmed with identification of S. moniliformis by culture or molecular techniques. All cases presented with fever, and a subset had one or more of the following: myalgia, rash, polyarthralgia, joint effusions, and emesis. All cases were successfully treated with penicillin, ceftriaxone or doxycycline. Seven cases required hospitalization, but there were no deaths or significant morbidity. This is the largest single case series of RBF in Canada. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion by clinicians and early intervention is necessary to prevent morbidity and mortality.

Clinical infection in house rats (Rattus rattus) caused by Streptobacillus notomytis.

Rat bite fever is an under-reported, under-diagnosed emerging zoonosis with worldwide distribution. Besides Spirillum minus, Streptobacillus moniliformis is the major causative microorganism although it usually colonises rats without any clinical signs. A group of house rats (Rattus rattus) kept in a zoo exhibition for educational purposes suffered from neurological signs including disorientation, torticollis, stall walking, ataxia and death. Gross pathological and histo-pathological examinations of the investigated rats revealed high-grade otitis interna et media, from which Streptobacillus notomytis was isolated in pure culture or as the predominant microorganism. This case series underlines a previously expressed hypothesis that R. rattus might be naturally colonised with S. notomytis, whereas the traditional rat bite fever organism, S. moniliformis, might be restricted to the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus). However, the general paucity of Streptobacillus isolates, especially from their respective animal hosts, precludes definitive proof of these host tropisms. This is the first report of S. notomytis detection outside Asia and Australia and the first evidence for its role as a facultative pathogen in house rats.

Spatial modeling of rat bites and prediction of rat infestation in Peshawar valley using binomial kriging with logistic regression.

In this study, we propose to develop a geostatistical computational framework to model the distribution of rat bite infestation of epidemic proportion in Peshawar valley, Pakistan. Two species Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus are suspected to spread the infestation. The framework combines strengths of maximum entropy algorithm and binomial kriging with logistic regression to spatially model the distribution of infestation and to determine the individual role of environmental predictors in modeling the distribution trends. Our results demonstrate the significance of a number of social and environmental factors in rat infestations such as (I) high human population density; (II) greater dispersal ability of rodents due to the availability of better connectivity routes such as roads, and (III) temperature and precipitation influencing rodent fecundity and life cycle.

Discitis caused by rat bite fever in a rheumatoid arthritis patient on tocilizumab—first ever case

Discitis caused by rat bite fever in a rheumatoid arthritis patient on tocilizumab—first ever case

What Can Homeopathy Do? A Case of Fatal Rat Bite Fever

AbstractA man diagnosed with fatal rat bite fever was treated unsuccessfully with antibiotics and sinus surgery. He continued to have headaches and vertigo until homeopathic treatment with Rattus rattus, Sanguis rattus, Ignatia and a remedy made from rat faeces.

Placentitis and Dystocia Attributed to Streptobacillus moniliformis in a Domestic Dumbo Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

A 12-week-old sexually intact female domestic Dumbo rat (Rattus norvegicus) was presented for dystocia. The animal had maloccluded incisors, mucohemorrhagic vulvar discharge, and no evidence of obstruction of the pelvic canal. The animal was treated parenterally with calcium and oxytocin and provided supportive care. Controlled vaginal delivery under general anesthesia was unsuccessful. The animal was humanely euthanized and was diagnosed with bacterial placentitis on necropsy. Histopathologic examination revealed abundant filamentous, Gram-negative, Giemsa-positive bacteria associated with the placenta, endometrial surface, and uterine vessels of the dam, and alveolar spaces of multiple fetuses. Aerobic bacterial culture of placental tissues revealed small pure gray colonies of Gram-negative, rod-shaped, and filamentous bacteria. Polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene followed by sequencing identified the etiologic agent as Streptobacillus moniliformis, the causative agent of rat bite fever and a zoonotic disease that historically has been considered a nonpathogenic commensal organism of the rat. The current report documents placentitis attributed to S. moniliformis infection in a rat and is consistent with reports in mice and humans that this organism may be an opportunistic pathogen of the female reproductive tract; it also suggests that S. moniliformis can cause primary disease in a rat.

Closing the Brief Case: A Fishy Tale Prevents Digital Doom following Polly's Peck-the Importance of Pets in a Comprehensive Medical History.

1. Which of the following organisms is correctly paired with a domestic animal with which it is associated? Answer: C. Streptobacillus moniliformis and rats. Streptobacillus moniliformis is caused by rats and leads to rat bite fever (an acute febrile illness often associated with a maculopapular

Acute Tetraplegia Caused by Rat Bite Fever in Snake Keeper and Transmission of Streptobacillus moniliformis.

We report acute tetraplegia caused by rat bite fever in a 59-year old man (snake keeper) and transmission of Streptobacillus moniliformis. We found an identical characteristic bacterial pattern in rat and human samples, which validated genotyping-based evidence for infection with the same strain, and identified diagnostic difficulties concerning infection with this microorganism.

Successful reintroduction of the Critically Endangered Antiguan racer Alsophis antiguae to offshore islands in Antigua, West Indies

The Critically Endangered Antiguan racer Alsophis antiguae is endemic to Antigua and Barbuda (441 km2 area) but declined following the arrival of invasive mammals. By 1995, only an estimated 51 Antiguan racers survived on an offshore islet (Great Bird Island: 8·4 ha), many of which had injuries consistent with rat bites. To prevent extinction, a consortium of national and international organizations eradicated the Black rats Rattus rattus from Great Bird Island in 1995 and the snake population promptly doubled in size. The agencies then embarked on a programme to eradicate invasive rats and, where present, Small Asian mongooses Herpestes javanicus from a further 14 islands around Antigua. The first reintroduction was carried out in November 1999, with ten wild racers translocated from Great Bird Island to Rabbit Island. Further reintroductions followed to Green Island (from October 2002) and York Island (from January 2008), bringing the total area of occupancy for racers to 63 ha. The translocated racers appeared to thrive in their new habitats and reproduced almost immediately. The reintroduction programme was underpinned by field research, fundraising and an innovative education campaign to address prevailing negative attitudes towards snakes. While the Antiguan racer metapopulation has increased to > 1100 individuals in the wild, lasting success depends on Great Bird, Rabbit, Green and York Islands being fully protected from invasive mammals and harmful developments. To spread the risk, additional reintroduction sites must be identified.

Phylogenetic and comparative genomics of the family Leptotrichiaceae and introduction of a novel fingerprinting MLVA for Streptobacillus moniliformis.

BackgroundThe Leptotrichiaceae are a family of fairly unnoticed bacteria containing both microbiota on mucous membranes as well as significant pathogens such as Streptobacillus moniliformis, the causative organism of streptobacillary rat bite fever. Comprehensive genomic studies in members of this family have so far not been carried out. We aimed to analyze 47 genomes from 20 different member species to illuminate phylogenetic aspects, as well as genomic and discriminatory properties.ResultsOur data provide a novel and reliable basis of support for previously established phylogeny from this group and give a deeper insight into characteristics of genome structure and gene functions. Full genome analyses revealed that most S. moniliformis strains under study form a heterogeneous population without any significant clustering. Analysis of infra-species variability for this highly pathogenic rat bite fever organism led to the detection of three specific variable number tandem analysis loci with high discriminatory power.ConclusionsThis highly useful and economical tool can be directly employed in clinical samples without laborious prior cultivation. Our and prospective case-specific data can now easily be compared by using a newly established MLVA database in order to gain a better insight into the epidemiology of this presumably under-reported zoonosis.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3206-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

P033 Anaphylaxis after a laboratory rat bite

P033 Anaphylaxis after a laboratory rat bite

Answer to August 2016 Photo Quiz

Answer: Streptobacillary rat bite fever or Haverhill fever. A presumptive identification of Streptobacillus moniliformis was issued upon the basis of the isolate's morphology, cellular arrangement, and relative biochemical inertness. Sequencing of a 1,442-bp 16S rRNA gene fragment of the isolate

Oceanivirga salmonicida gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the Leptotrichiaceae isolated from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

A pleomorphic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped, indole-, oxidase- and catalase- negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile bacterium was originally isolated in 1992 from moribund, seawater farmed Atlantic salmon with multifocal tissue necrosis. Strain AVG 2115T displayed considerable similarities with Streptobacillus moniliformis, one of the two etiological agents of rat bite fever, and has been stored as Streptobacillus sp. NCIMB 703044T. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses, this strain displayed >99 % sequence similarities with uncultured bacterial clones from the digestive tracts of marine mammals, followed by Sneathia sanguinegens CCUG 41628T (92.7 %), 'Sneathia amnii' Sn35 (92.5 %), Caviibacter abscessus CCUG 39713T (92.2 %), Streptobacillus ratti OGS16T (91.3 %), Streptobacillus notomytis AHL 370-1T (91.2 %), S. moniliformis DSM 12112T (91.0 %), Streptobacillus felis 131000547T (90.9 %) and Streptobacillus hongkongensis DSM 26322T (89.7 %). Sequence similarities to all other taxa were below 89 %. Phylogenetic analysis for strain NCIMB 703044T revealed highly similar results for gyrB, groEL and recA nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence analyses independent of the employed treeing method. Average nucleotide identities (ANI) for complete genomes ranged from 66.00 % to 72.08 % between strain NCIMB 703044T and the type strains of Sebaldella termitidis, Leptotrichiabuccalis, Streptobacillus moniliformis, Sneathia sanguinegens and Caviibacter abscessus. Chemotaxonomic and physiological data of strain NCIMB 703044t were in congruence with closely related members of the family Leptotrichiaceae, represented by highly similar enzyme profiles and fatty acid patterns. MALDI-TOF MS analysis was capable to clearly discriminate strain NCIMB 703044T from all currently described taxa of the family Leptotrichiaceae. On the basis of these data we propose the novel taxon Oceanivirga salmonicida gen. nov. sp. nov. with the type strain AVG 2115T (=NCIMB 703044T) (=DSM 101867T). The G+C content is 25.4 %, genome size is 1.77 Mbp.

Treatment and outcome of unusual animal bite injuries in young children.

Animal bites are a major cause of preventable traumatic injuries. To provide more epidemiological information on animal bites, and assist in increasing awareness of the problem. A retrospective chart review was performed including children aged >13 years presenting with bite injuries (excluding dog and human bites) to the trauma unit at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, over a 25-year period. Two hundred and thirteen children were eligible to be entered into the study. The median age was 2.9 years (range 1.2 - 6.5), with boys slightly predominating (54.9%). Most (74.6%) of the bite injuries were inflicted by mammals, the majority (64.8) of mammalian bites being rat bites. The proportions of boys and girls in the age group 0 - 4 years bitten by rats significantly differed from the proportions in the age group >4 years (p=0.039). In the age group 0 - 4 years more girls suffered rat bites, while more boys were bitten in the age group >4 years. Of 91 rat bites, 81 (89.0%) occurred inside the house. The hands (43.9%) and the head/face/neck region (39.0%) were most affected. The underdeveloped suburbs of Philippi, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha in Cape Town represented a disproportionate number (41.6%) of rat bites. There is a relationship between poverty, unemployment, poor housing, informal settlements and rodent infestation. These high-risk populations need to be the target for government rat eradication programmes.

An epidemiological study of animal bites among rural population in Tamil Nadu, India

Background: There are many zoonotic diseases which are deadly to human like Rabies, Plague, and Monkey pox etc. But Human rabies continues to be endemic in India and according to recent estimate 20,000 person’s die of this disease every year. Hence this study was conducted to know the prevalence and pattern of animal bites during last one year. The aim was to estimate the prevalence and pattern of animal bites in a rural population and to determine health care seeking behaviour for animal bites. Methods: This study was conducted at rural health training centre and field practice area of AMCH Erumapatti & Kandantheri, Salem, India between March 1 st -March 31 st 2014. It is a cross sectional study, where convenient sampling method was used. The sample size was 688 subjects above 1 year age group. Using pre-tested structured questionnaire, the sample adult population were interviewed for any animal bites in the past one year in the family. The socio demographic characteristics, epidemiological and associated factors for animal bites were studied. Results: It was found that during last one year 69 (10.03%) of study population had animal bites and majority of them were bitten by dogs 44 (63.77%), others bites like millipede, centipede, scorpion, snake 17 (24.64%), cat 5 (7.25%), rat 2 (2.90%) and monkey 1 (1.45%). It was found that majority had animal bites on leg 42 (60.87%). It was found that majority of them were bitten by pet animals 41 (59.42%). It was found that 42 (60.87%) took first aid after bite, while 27(39.13%) had not taken first aid. It was found that 51 (81%) took treatment for animal bites, while 18 (19%) did not take any treatment. Conclusions: The prevalence of animal bites in our study population is 10.03%. Among that, dog bites were majority about 44 (63.77%). Only 51 (81%) people had taken treatment for their bites. Knowledge about animal bite is essential because it causes many fatal diseases to human beings. People living in the rural areas should be aware of animal bites like dog bite, cat bite, rat bite, monkey bite and other bites like snake bite, scorpion bite, bites caused by centipedes which may cause morbidity & mortality among rural population.

Occupational and Environmental Health Hazards (Physical & Mental) Among Rag-Pickers in Mumbai Slums: A Cross-Sectional Study

Rag pickers are informal workers who collect recyclable materials to earn a small wage on daily basis. Their life and working conditions are extremely difficult. This paper examined the health status, occupational and environmental health hazards among rag-pickers working in dumping ground of Shivaji-Nagar and Govandi Slums of Mumbai, India. The cross-sectional study gathered data by interviewing 120 rag pickers during the Masters in Public Health course curriculum at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in the year 2012-13. The Occupational and environmental health (Physical & Mental) hazards were assessed using a standard self-reporting questionnaire. Convenient sampling was used to select the rag pickers from the slums of Mumbai. The study shows, rag-pickers suffer from physical as well as mental ill health. The reason for engaged in such kind of work is due to not having other skills and easy or daily income. Most of them are having habits such as tobacco-chewing and consumption. Dog bite and rat bite are common among Rag-pickers. Redness of eyes, headache, backache, accidental injuries are very common among Rag-pickers. Substance abuse itself is one of the mental disorders present among Rag-pickers. Majority of them are associated with mild depression and mild anxiety as common mental disorders. Rag pickers more frequently report physical and mental health problems. Improving the work lives of these precarious workers should address not only the physical hazards of their jobs but their mental and emotional health as well. Unfulfilled health needs of this underprivileged workforce who contributes to the ecology and economy of the city need to be addressed. Sensitization of both general public and government workforce is essential to legitimize this occupation. This in turn may help to alleviate poverty and environmental degradation which is occurring due to rapid and unplanned urbanization in India.

Profile of animal bite victims attending anti - rabies clinic in a tertiary care hospital, Bengaluru

INTRODUCTION Timely and complete post exposure prophylaxis is necessary for the animal bite victims to prevent rabies. Henceforth this study is done to know the profile ofanmal bite victims attending Anti bull Rabies Clinic and also to estimate their compliance rate to complete course ofAnti-Rabies Vaccination by intradermal route IDRV.METHODS A Retrospective record based review was conducted in the Anti bull Rabies Clinic of Victoria Hospital. Bengaiuru from January 21a to July 31 2015. The number ofstudy subjects was 1418 aner excluding rat and human bite re-exposure and pre-exposure cases. The compliance rate to IDRV was found outfrom records and also by interviewing the patientortheirguardian through thetelephone.RESULTS This study shows that males were predominantly affected 75.8 constituting the male female ratio 3.11. Majority of the cases were children S 15 years 28.9.96.7 of the vactims were bitten by dogs. of which 65 were from stray dogs whereas the rest from pet dogs ofwhich only 14 were immunized. Lower limbs 32.4 were the most commonEy Involved biting site. Majority 64 had category Ill exposure. Only 25.3 of the victims reported for treatmentwithin 24 hours and 76 4 had compteted the full course of vaccination.CONCLUSION From this study we observed that males have higher incidence of animal bite than the females and most of the cases were children S15 years old. Mapnty had category Ill exposure. Only 76.4 had completed the full course of IDRV which is considerably low for this highly fatal disease. Communities especially the parents and the teachers should be educated through a strong Information Education and Communication programme.

Rat Bite Fever Resembling Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rat bite fever is rare in Western countries. It can be very difficult to diagnose as blood cultures are typically negative and a history of rodent exposure is often missed. Unless a high index of suspicion is maintained, the associated polyarthritis can be mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis. We report a case of culture-positive rat bite fever in a 46-year-old female presenting with fever and polyarthritis. The clinical presentation mimicked rheumatoid arthritis. Infection was complicated by discitis, a rare manifestation. We discuss the diagnosis and management of this rare zoonotic infection. We also review nine reported cases of rat bite fever, all of which had an initial presumptive diagnosis of a rheumatological disorder. Rat bite fever is a potentially curable infection but can have a lethal course if left untreated.

Diseases Transmitted by Less Common House Pets.

Beside dogs and cats, the most common pets worldwide, an increasing number of pocket pets and exotic pets are making their way to more and more households, especially in North America and Europe. Although many of these animals make appropriate pets, they also can be a source of many zoonotic diseases, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals. Some of these diseases can be life threatening, such as rabies, rat bite fever, and plague. Some others are quite common, because of the frequency of the pathogens harbored by these species, such as salmonellosis in reptiles and amphibians. Appropriate knowledge of the zoonotic agents carried by these "new" pet species is strongly recommended prior to acquiring pocket or exotic pets. Furthermore, adopting wildlife as pets is strongly discouraged, because it is always a risky action that can lead to major health issues.

Infective endocarditis after multiple rat bites in a patient with diabetic neuropathy: If not Streptobacillus moniliformis, what else should be suspected?

Painless rat bites in patients with diabetic neuropathy are very rare occurrence and may result in foot ulcers, amputations, or rat bite fever. Infective endocarditis complicating rat bites are extremely rare and almost exclusively a complication of rat bite fever caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis (a common microbial flora of the rat mouth). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Staphylococcus aureus (another common flora of rat teeth) native valve endocarditis complicating rat bite.