Microbiology
Thick, gram-negative, coiled, spiral rod.
Epidemiologic Risks
Bit by an Asian rat. Or by a rat in Asia. There was a case report of the disease from an Indian squirrel bite (PubMed).
Syndromes
One of the two causes of Rat Bite Fever.
The bite heals then 1 to 4 weeks later becomes painful, swollen, and purple then progresses to ulceration and eschar; it is associated with regional lymphangitis and lymphadenitis. Then fever, chills, headache, and malaise. There is a rash and a relapsing fever lasting 3 to 4 days with afebrile periods of 3 to 9 days. It can cause a variety of focal infections.
Treatment
2 weeks of iv penicillin. The first report (PubMed).
Notes
In Japan it is called sodoku, not to be confused with sudoku, only one of which is associated with seizures (PubMed).
Last Update: 04/20/18.