Rat-bite fever presenting with rash and septic arthritis

Abstract

Rat-bite fever is an uncommon disease known for its endemicity to occur worldwide. Although most patients

tend to develop mild symptoms with improvement from conventional antibiotics, it can possess complications. We report a complicated case of rat bite-fever involving a 61-year old woman who presents with fever, petechial rash, and septic arthritis following a rat bite. Initially, multiple antibiotics were administered with ineffectiveness.  As a consequence, invasive procedures such as arthrotomy and joint debridement were done and prolonged antibiotic was administered until clinical resolution. Since many cases may not have a history of rat bite and may present with fever, rashes, and arthritis it is essential to distinguish it from other diseases. Here we will provide details on the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management to aid prompt detection and treatment of the disease.