What is Rat-bite fever?
Rat-bite fever (RBF) is an infectious disease caused by two different organisms, Streptobacillus moniliformis and Spirillum minus. In the United States, Rat-bite fever is primarily due to infection with S. moniliformis. Spirillum minus causes Rat-bite fever cases in countries such as Asia and Africa. Back to Top How common is Rat-bite fever in humans in the United States? Rat-bite fever is rare in the United States. However, since RBF is not a notifiable disease, exact numbers of cases are not known. Back to Top How is infection spread to humans? Rat-bite fever refers to an infection which usually develops after having been bitten or scratched by an infected rat. Other rodents (such as mice and gerbils) may also spread the infection to humans. Sometimes infection can result from handling infected rats, with no reported bite or scratch. It is also possible to become infected by ingesting food or drink (such as milk or water) contaminated with rat excrement. This form of the disease is s
