Tal Apple MD, Naifeh Krayem MSc, Judith Olchowski MD
Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a rare zoonotic infection caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis or Spirillum minus. It is typically transmitted through contact with rats. In the United States, Streptobacillus moniliformis is the predominant causative agent, whereas in Asia, cases are more commonly attributed to Spirillum minus. We report a case of RBF in Israel, in which the identified pathogen was Streptobacillus moniliformis, a pleomorphic, Gram-negative bacillus. The classic clinical presentation of RBF includes fever, rash, and arthralgia, which may be migratory in nature.