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General Reference ⬇

Am J Med 1988;85:711; Lancet 1987;2:1361

Pathophys and Cause ⬆ ⬇

Cause:Streptobacillus moniliformis, occasionally Spirillum minor(a spirochete)

Epidemiology ⬆ ⬇

Rat bite or contaminated dairy products (Haverhill fever). In low socioeconomic groups and in medical researchers working with rats

Signs and Symptoms ⬆ ⬇

Sx:Bitten 2-3 d before, heals in 10-12 d; very inflamed bite in case of Spirillum;chills; arthralgias in large joints

Si:Fever, macular rash on palms and soles

Complications ⬆ ⬇

Endocarditis and other cardiac infections

r/o rickettsia, coxsackie B

Lab and Xray ⬆ ⬇

Lab:Bact:Blood culture positive; spirillum can be seen on peripheral smear

Treatment ⬆

Rx:Use gloves to prevent. Penicillin for both types