Streptobacillus Moniliformis Research Articles

Streptobacillus felis sp. nov., isolated from a cat with pneumonia, and emended descriptions of the genus Streptobacillus and of Streptobacillus moniliformis.

A pleomorphic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, indole-, oxidase- and catalase-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile bacterium (strain 131000547(T)) was isolated from the lungs of a cat with pneumonia. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses the strain was assigned to the genus Streptobacillus with 97.6% sequence similarity to the type strain of Streptobacillus moniliformis and 94.6% to that of Streptobacillus hongkongensis. The clear differentiation of strain 131000547(T) from Streptobacillus moniliformis and Streptobacillus hongkongensis was also supported by gyrB, groEL, and recA nucleotide and amino acid sequence analysis. DNA-DNA hybridization demonstrated ≤ 19.9% (reciprocal 28.7%) DNA-DNA relatedness between strain 131000547(T) and Streptobacillus moniliformis DSM 12112(T). Physiological data confirmed the allocation of strain 131000547(T) to the family Leptotrichiaceae. Strain 131000547(T) has a unique profile of enzyme activities allowing differentiation from the most closely related species. Within the genus Streptobacillus, isolate 131000547(T) could also unambiguously be separated from Streptobacillus moniliformis and Streptobacillus hongkongensis by both matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. On the basis of these data, a novel species of the genus Streptobacillus, Streptobacillus felis sp. nov., is proposed with the type strain 131000547(T) ( = DSM 29248(T) = CCUG 66203(T) = CCM 8542(T)). Emended descriptions of the genus Streptobacillus and of Streptobacillus moniliformis are also given.

Fever in an 8-Month-Old Infant Following a Rat Bite

Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a zoonotic infection caused by Gram-negative microaerophilic Streptobacillus moniliformis and Spirillum minus. Rat-bite fever predominantly affects the population in areas of poor socioeconomic status. The disease has been reported in high-income countries where rats are commonly kept as pets. The case described below is that of an 8-month-old infant boy who was diagnosed with rat-bite fever.

Detection of zoonotic pathogens and characterization of novel viruses carried by commensal Rattus norvegicus in New York City.

ABSTRACTNorway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are globally distributed and concentrate in urban environments, where they live and feed in closer proximity to human populations than most other mammals. Despite the potential role of rats as reservoirs of zoonotic diseases, the microbial diversity present in urban rat populations remains unexplored. In this study, we used targeted molecular assays to detect known bacterial, viral, and protozoan human pathogens and unbiased high-throughput sequencing to identify novel viruses related to agents of human disease in commensal Norway rats in New York City. We found that these rats are infected with bacterial pathogens known to cause acute or mild gastroenteritis in people, including atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Clostridium difficile, and Salmonella enterica, as well as infectious agents that have been associated with undifferentiated febrile illnesses, including Bartonella spp., Streptobacillus moniliformis, Leptospira interrogans, and Seoul hantavirus. We also identified a wide range of known and novel viruses from groups that contain important human pathogens, including sapoviruses, cardioviruses, kobuviruses, parechoviruses, rotaviruses, and hepaciviruses. The two novel hepaciviruses discovered in this study replicate in the liver of Norway rats and may have utility in establishing a small animal model of human hepatitis C virus infection. The results of this study demonstrate the diversity of microbes carried by commensal rodent species and highlight the need for improved pathogen surveillance and disease monitoring in urban environments.

Rethinking dogma: an Asian case report of streptobacillary rat-bite fever

Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a rare but potentially fatal zoonotic disease that has resurfaced in literature from time to time. RBF has conventionally been attributed to Streptobacillus moniliformis in the Western World and Spirillum minus in Asia. However, numerous case reports of Streptobacillus moniliformis in Asia highlight the need to rethink this assertion. We encountered a patient with streptobacillary RBF and a history of recent travel to Bangladesh. We present the salient clinical features and processes in arriving at this diagnosis. The patient was successfully treated with no major sequelae, likely due to the early institution of appropriate antibiotics. We present our learning points on RBF including recognition, early and appropriate antibiotics and the challenges in diagnosing RBF.

A case of shoulder jointStreptobacillus moniliformisseptic arthritis with severe subdeltoid bursitis

AbstractObjective and importancePeople in close contact with rodents, particularly those with rodents as pets, may become infected with the Streptobacillus moniliformis organism. Such patients may present with a triad of fever, rash, and arthritis. This medical condition is also known as rat-bite fever. It is imperative for the clinician to consider and recognize rat-bite fever in cases of septic arthritis in order to prevent delay in treatment. Severe involvement of the bursa requiring its excision during joint irrigation and debridement surgery has not been reported in the literature.Clinical presentationWe are reporting on a recent case of septic shoulder arthritis and severe subdeltoid bursitis due to rat-bite fever in a 19-year-old female. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging scans demonstrated severe bursal involvement.InterventionIn addition to antibiotics, excision of the bursa was necessary in this case in combination with irrigation and debridement of the joint.ConclusionThe bursa adjacent t...

Streptobacillus sp. isolated from a cat with pneumonia

Introduction: Streptobacillus moniliformis causes rat‐bite fever, an underdiagnosed zoonosis occurring worldwide. A variety of animals including livestock and exotic mammals are known to be susceptible hosts for this species, but little information is available regarding infection in companion animals. Case presentation: Following the necropsy of a domestic cat, bacteria displaying substantial characteristics of Streptobacillus sp. were cultured from pneumonic lung tissue. Streptobacillus‐like morphological features observed included strictly microaerophilic pleomorphic Gram‐negative rods with bulbar swellings that grew exclusively in the presence of serum. Significant shared biochemical properties included negative reactions for cytochrome oxidase, catalase, urease, nitrate reduction and indole production, as well as broad antimicrobial susceptibility. These characteristics are all indicative of Streptobacillus moniliformis. However, 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed only 98 % sequence homology to type strain DSM 12112. A mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the affiliation of the domestic cat isolate described in this study with bacteria of the genus Streptobacillus, but matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry indicated that it differed from nine reference strains of Streptobacillus moniliformis isolated from various sources and host species. Conclusion: This is the first evidence for clinical disease caused by a streptobacillary infection in a domestic cat.

Rat Bite Fever

Rat bite fever is a rare zoonotic infection caused by the pleomorphic gram-negative rod, Streptobacillus moniliformis. Schottmuler first identified S moniliformis as the causative organism of rat bite fever in 1914. Although a bite is not required to contract rat bite fever, it seems that the risk of infection after a rat bite is approximately 10%. In fact, 34% of the reported cases did not report a known bite. The disease is typically characterized by vague symptoms such as fever, rigors, maculopapular to petechial rash, migratory polyarthralgias, headache, nausea/vomiting, sore throat, and severe myalgias. Detailed social history and exposure to rats are key to the diagnosis. Untreated, rat bite fever can carry a mortality rate of 10%. Patients with endocarditis carry a 53% mortality rate. Other known complications of rat bite fever include myocarditis, pericarditis, systemic vasculitis, polyarteritis nodosa, meningitis, hepatitis, nephritis, pneumonia, and focal abscesses.

1. Rat Bite Fever Causing Septic Arthritis and Osteomyelitis in a Young Man

Background: Classic rat bite fever is a systemic illness generally characterized by fever, rash, sore throat, headache, vomiting, myalgias and polyarthralgias. It is caused by infection with either Streptobacillus moniliformis or Spirillum minus. Methods: We report a case which is, to our knowledge the first reported case of streptobacillus moniliformis septic arthritis with associated osteomyelitis in an adult. Results: A 29 year old Polish gentleman who was the owner of three rats presented with a 5 day history of malaise, feverishness, sore throat, headache, rash with pain and swelling of his ankles, right elbow and right knee. Examination revealed a rash in his extremities including palms and soles with pustular, maculopapular and petechial components. He had effusions in the right knee and left ankle and swelling of his right second metacarpophalangeal joint. Initial laboratory investigations revealed CRP 211 ESR 36 ferritin 417 neutrophils 7.89. RF, CCP antibodies, ANA, ANCA, immunoglobulins, complements, ds DNA were all negative. Blood cultures were negative and joint aspirate of the right knee was also negative. Skin biopsy revealed mild nonspecific perivascular inflammation within the subcutis. Patient was initially treated with a broad spectrum antibiotic. Repeat joint aspirate was carried out from left ankle and PCR with bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing was positive for Streptobacillus moniliformis. MRI of the left ankle showed considerable marrow oedema and a moderate thick walled effusion consistent with a septic arthritis and associated osteomyelitis. Antibiotic regime was changed to i.v. benzylpenicillin and clinical improvement accelerated. He was switched to oral penicillin after 2 weeks and made a good recovery. Streptobacillus moniliformis is a Gram-negative bacillus that causes a syndrome characterized by fever, rash, and arthralgias, often following a brief incubation period of 10 days. Complications include endocarditis, myocarditis, pericarditis, septic arthritis, meningitis, overwhelming sepsis, vasculitis, and abscesses in virtually any organ. It has classically been associated with exposure to wild rats and laboratory rats however incidence has increased in recent years with the increased prevalence of domesticated rats. There has been one case reported of S. moniliformis septic arthritis associated with an osteomyelitis in a boy aged 22 months. To our knowledge, our case is the first of osteomyelitis associated with streptobacillus septic arthritis in an adult. It is also the first case in which histology has been reported from a skin biopsy in such a patient. Conclusion: Clinicians should consider rat bite fever in the differential diagnosis of an unexplained febrile illness in patients reporting rat exposure especially if a maculopapular rash is present and the patient has asymmetrical oligoor polyarthritis. Our case also highlights the need to be aware of osteomyelitis as a possible complication in patients with S. moniliformis septic arthritis. Disclosure statement: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Microbial Assessment of Turkey (<i>Meleagris ocellata</i> L.) and Duck (<i>Anas platyrhynchos</i> L.) Faeces (Droppings) in Akure Metropolis

This study was carried out to determine the occurrence of bacteria and fungi in populations of turkey and duck faeces. The prevalence of bacteria and fungi in the faeces of domesticated turkey and ducks (Meleagris ocellata and Anas platyrhynchos) in the City of Akure (Nigeria) was investigated. Five different locations were sampled in Akure Metropolis in April for each of turkey and duck faeces using standard microbiological methods. The microbial load for bacteria ranged from 16.23 × 105 to 30.04 × 105 cfu/g and 12.60 × 105 to 46.01 × 105 cfu/g for turkey and duck faeces respectively while the fungal count ranged from 12.38 × 105 to 28.05 × 105 s/g and 10.60 × 105 to 34.09 × 105 s/g for turkey and duck faeces respectively. The following bacteria were isolated from turkey faeces: Azomonas agilis, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Sarcina maxima, Thiocapsa lumicola, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., Xanthomonas fragariae and Streptococcus spp. while Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus cereus, Echerichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Lactobacillus spp., Sarcina maxima, Streptobacillus moniliformis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp and Streptococcus spp. were isolated from duck faces. Bacteria common to both turkey and duck faeces are Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Sarcina maxima, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. The fungal species isolated includes Mucor spp., Cladosporium spp., Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria sp., Candida spp., Fusarium spp., Varicosporium elodea and Penicillium spp. Some of the isolated microorganisms are of major importance in the natural environment as well as food and drug production. It could be concluded that turkey and duck faeces are a potential human health hazard and that accumulation of their droppings may pose a public health risk and can cause illness.

Amplicon pyrosequencing and ion torrent sequencing of wild duck eubacterial microbiome from fecal samples reveals numerous species linked to human and animal diseases

Our investigation into the composition of the wild duck,Aythya americana, eubacterial microbiome from a fecal sample using amplicon pyrosequencing revealed that the representative bacterial species were quite distinct from a pond water sample, and we were able to classify the major operational taxonomic units withFusobacterium mortiferum,Streptobacillus moniliformis,Lactobacillus intermedius,Actinomyces suimastitidis,Campylobacter Canadensis,Enterococcus cecorum,Lactobacillus aviarus,Actimomyces spp.,Pseudobutyrivibrio spp.and Helicobacter brantaerepresenting the majority of the eubacterial fecal microbiome. Bacterial species present in the analysis revealed numerous organisms linked to human and animal diseases including septicemia, rat bite fever, pig mastitis, endocarditis, malar masses, genital infections, skin lesions, peritonitis, wound infections, septic arthritis, urocystitis, gastroenteritis and drinking water diseases. In addition, to being known carriers of viral pathogens wild ducks should also be recognized as a potential source of a range of bacterial diseases.

Amplicon pyrosequencing of wild duck eubacterial microbiome from a fecal sample reveals numerous species linked to human and animal diseases

Our investigation into the composition of the wild duck,Aythya americana, eubacterial microbiome from a fecal sample using amplicon pyrosequencing revealed that the representative bacterial species were quite distinct from a pond water sample, and we were able to classify the major operational taxonomic units withFusobacterium mortiferum,Streptobacillus moniliformis,Lactobacillus intermedius,Actinomyces suimastitidis,Campylobacter Canadensis,Enterococcus cecorum,Lactobacillus aviarus,Actimomyces spp.,Pseudobutyrivibrio spp.and Helicobacter brantaerepresenting the majority of the eubacterial fecal microbiome. Bacterial species present in the analysis revealed numerous organisms linked to human and animal diseases including septicemia, rat bite fever, pig mastitis, endocarditis, malar masses, genital infections, skin lesions, peritonitis, wound infections, septic arthritis, urocystitis, gastroenteritis and drinking water diseases. In addition, to being known carriers of viral pathogens wild ducks should also be recognized as a potential source of a range of bacterial diseases.

Streptobacillus moniliformis endocarditis: Case report and review of literature

Rat bite fever is a rare infection and sometimes results in complications. This case report describes native mitral valve endocarditis in a 44-year-old male patient caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis. The diagnosis was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography and blood cultures (BACTEC). The patient was treated with IV crystalline penicillin (6 weeks) and gentamicin (2 weeks). The fundamental importance of a high index of suspicion, interpreting investigations and appropriateness of therapy are highlighted.

Rats, Cities, People, and Pathogens: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis of Literature Regarding the Ecology of Rat-Associated Zoonoses in Urban Centers

Urban Norway and black rats (Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus) are the source of a number of pathogens responsible for significant human morbidity and mortality in cities around the world. These pathogens include zoonotic bacteria (Leptospira interrogans, Yersina pestis, Rickettsia typhi, Bartonella spp., Streptobacillus moniliformis), viruses (Seoul hantavirus), and parasites (Angiostrongylus cantonensis). A more complete understanding of the ecology of these pathogens in people and rats is critical for determining the public health risks associated with urban rats and for developing strategies to monitor and mitigate those risks. Although the ecology of rat-associated zoonoses is complex, due to the multiple ways in which rats, people, pathogens, vectors, and the environment may interact, common determinants of human disease can still be identified. This review summarizes the ecology of zoonoses associated with urban rats with a view to identifying similarities, critical differences, and avenues for further study.

Streptobacillosis characterised by palmoplantar pustulosis

A 41-year-old French woman, with no previous medical history, presented with intermittent fever up to 40°C. 2 days later, palmoplantar pustules appeared (fi gure, A), as did cutaneous papules on her trunk and limbs. She had an oligoarthritis associated with the distal interphalangeal joint of the third left fi nger, the right knee, and both shoulders. The patient maintained that she was in good health until she was bitten by a domestic rat 1 week before the symptoms began. She did not report engaging in unsafe sexual activity. A cutaneous biopsy showed a leucocytoclastic vasculitis. The transthoracic and oesophageal echocardiography, and the CT scan were normal. Blood cultures were positive for a Gram-negative bacillus; the bacterial cells were arranged in chains and clumps with lateral bulbar swellings, which is highly consistent with streptobacillosis (fi gure, B). The sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene identifi ed Streptobacillus moniliformis. The patient was treated with amoxicillin at 6 g per day for 6 weeks, because of arthritis. The symptoms subsequently disappeared and the patient recovered. 6 months after the infection, she was well and had no medical complaints. Streptobacillosis—also known as rat-bite fever—is caused by S moniliformis. This Gram-negative bacillus is part of the oropharyngeal commensal fl ora of the rat and is transmitted to human beings by rat bites. The disease is characterised by fever, cutaneous rash, and migratory polyarthralgia. Without treatment, the mortality rate is about 13%. A palmoplantar pustulosis suggests a diagnosis, such as endocarditis, gonorrhoea, coxsackie virus, SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis) syndrome—a chronic infl ammatory osteoarticular disease associated with skin abnormalities — and pustular psoriasis. However, palmoplantar pustulosis is an usual sign of streptobacillosis, which is rarely mentioned as a diff erential diagnosis of pustulosis. Attention should be paid to the increased incidence of this disease, because pets (especially rats and mice), are the most important vector of this disease.

Dynamics of Rodent-Borne Zoonotic Diseases and Their Reservoir Hosts: Invasive Rattus in South Africa

Lack of adequate sanitation and pest control, and poor housing conditions that prevail in much of both rural and urban South Africa, cause rodent populations to thrive, promoting contact with humans, which results in increased risk of zoonotic disease transmission. This study focused on bacterial pathogens involved in potential zoonoses present in three commensal and invasive Rattus spp., namely Rattus norvegicus, R. rattus, and R. tanezumi, from rural and urban South Africa. Bacterial prevalence and diversity was determined through amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial 16S gene region, using four primer sets: two that have a broad bacterial species recognition range, and two genus-specific sets that target the genera Streptococcus and Streptobacillus. An overall bacterial prevalence of 32% (n = 84) in kidney samples was obtained using the 16S universal primer sets. Subsequent sequence analyses found bacterial prevalence per host species to be 41% for R. norvegicus, 42% for R. rattus, and 8% for R. tanezumi, with representatives of diverse bacterial taxa such as Clostridium sordelli (toxic shock syndrome), Bacillus cereus (diarrhoeal disease), and Enterococcus faecalis (nosocomial infections) being characterised. The primer set targeting Streptobacillus moniliformis was used to determine the prevalence of this zoonotically-important bacterial taxon, which is transmissible via a bite from Rattus to humans, whilst Streptococcus-specific primers were used to assess environmental shedding of this agent via the urinary route. The results highlight the public health implications especially for immune-compromised individuals, as these rodent-borne pathogens can cause opportunistic infections that in such individuals are not readily diagnosed or treated.

Rat bite fever as a presenting illness in a patient with AIDS

The etiology of culture-negative septic arthritis is poorly characterised in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). New molecular methods may assist in the investigation of culture-negative infections of sterile sites, including septic arthritis. We describe the first case of septic arthritis due to the cause of rat bite fever (RBF), Streptobacillus moniliformis, confirmed by 16S rRNA sequence analysis, in a patient with newly diagnosed HIV infection.

Characterization of β-galactoside phosphorylases with diverging acceptor specificities

Glycoside phosphorylases are a special group of carbohydrate-active enzymes, with characteristics in between those of glycoside hydrolases and glycosyl transferases. The phosphorylases from family GH-112 are exceptional because they employ galactose-1-phosphate instead of glucose-1-phosphate as glycosyl donor. Different acceptor specificities have been observed in this family, ranging from l-rhamnose to GlcNAc, GalNAc and a combination of the latter. Three new phosphorylases from previously unexplored branches of the phylogenetic tree of family GH-112 have now been characterized to shed more light on this divergence in acceptor specificity. The enzymes from Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and Streptobacillus moniliformis were found to prefer GalNAc as acceptor, while that from Anaerococcus prevotii displays similar activities on GalNAc and GlcNAc. These results confirm the correlation between the amino acid residue at position 162 and the enzyme's specificity, i.e. a threonine in the former group and a valine in the latter. However, mutagenesis of residue 162 did not allow the rational transformation of the substrate preference, as the substitution of valine by threonine in the enzyme from Bifidobacterium longum did not tighten its specificity towards GalNAc. Unexpectedly, introducing an isoleucine at position 162 increased the preference for GlcNAc as acceptor, which illustrates that the structure–function relationships in β-galactoside phosphorylases are not yet completely understood. Several other positions have also been examined by mutational analysis but true determinants of the acceptor specificity in family GH-112 could not be identified.

Rat Bite Fever, a Fatal Case of Streptobacillus moniliformis Infection in a 14‐Month‐Old Boy

Streptobacillus moniliformis is the primary cause of rat bite fever in North America. Children under 12 years of age are primarily infected, presenting with an acute syndrome of fever, rash, and polyarthritis. Common vectors include rats and mice. Transmission is predominantly from a bite or scratch, but contact with or ingestion of food contaminated with feces or saliva has also been reported. We report a fatal case of S. moniliformis infection in a 14-month-old-boy. At home, the child was exposed to filthy living conditions and the family had pet ferrets. Autopsy revealed a red-pink, mostly confluent rash and a circumscribed area suspicious for a possible bite mark. Cerebrospinal fluid cultures were positive for S. moniliformis. This case highlighted key features, such as the morbiliform rash, but lacked lymphadenopathy or joint manifestations. It is important to consider rat or rodent exposure as a source of infection.

Shell Vial Cell Culture as a Tool for Streptobacillus moniliformis “Resuscitation”

Streptobacillus moniliformis is a fastidious growing Gram-negative bacillus responsible of rat-bite fever. We describe here the first report of this disease in la Réunion and the first isolation using shell vial cell culture from a blood culture bottle with a bacterium suspected to be dead.

Asymptomatic cysticercosis in wistar albino rats: A note of caution to all biomedical researchers

Sir, Rat is one of the most commonly used animals in biomedical research. It can spread various types of zoonotic diseases, most commonly, rat fever (caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis), ring worm infestation, rabies, tetanus, and salmonella.[1] Hence it is important to have a thorough knowledge regarding the common zoonotic diseases transmitted by the animal, the common modes of transmission to humans as well as necessary precautionary methods during handling of the animals. The researcher should not only keep in mind the possible zoonotic diseases that can affect him, but also the asymptomatic parasitic diseases common to the animals that can erroneously affect the results of the experiments. In our setting, we conducted an experiment involving Wistar albino rats, maintained according to the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision on Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA) guidelines to observe the effects of fluoxetine on rat endometrium. At the end of the study, after sacrificing the animals, one of the rats of the control group (treated only with oral 0.9% normal saline) showed cyst formation on the liver. Histopathological examination confirmed the cyst to be of cestode origin as evidenced by the presence of an outer acellular eosinophilic cuticular layer and underlying subtentacular layer along with scolex-containing hooks and suckers [Figure 1]. Some giant cell reaction along with signs of inflammation was also evident in the adjoining tissue. Figure 1 HP examination shows outer acellular eosinophilic cuticular layer, subtentacular layer along with scolex containing hooks and suckers at 100× magnification Molecular techniques like PCR-linked mitochondrial DNA sequencing were not used to confirm the species of the tapeworm larva. But it is most likely due to the encysted larval form of Taenia taeniaeformis, i.e. Cysticercus fasciolaris, as it is one of the most common cestodes affecting the livers of the rats. Sometimes it has been found to be associated with hepatic fibrosarcomas.[2,3] Hence, animal experiments which particularly involve testing of liver functions can have erroneous results if asymptomatic rats harboring C. fasciolaris are used. Although our experimental protocol did not require measurements of liver function, it most likely did not affect the outcome. Besides Wistar albino rats, other commonly used laboratory animals can have asymptomatic parasitic infestations that can act as a restricting factor for attainment of experimental protocol. Therefore, the biomedical researchers should be aware of the asymptomatic spontaneous lesions to correctly interpret the outcome of their experiments.