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Spirillum minus
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Spirillum minus

bacteria
Also known as: Spirillum minor
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Quick Summary

Spirillum minus is a species of bacteria characterized by its spiral shape and motility, possessing flagella at each end. While most Spirillum species are aquatic, S. minus is notable for causing a type of rat-bite fever in humans. This infection is transmitted through the bite of an infected rat.12

Symptoms of this relapsing fever include localized infection, swollen lymph nodes, recurring fever, chills, and a rash. The initial bite wound may heal, only to flare up later with characteristic symptoms. Diagnosis is confirmed by identifying S. minus in lesions or lymph nodes, and treatment involves antibiotics like penicillin or streptomycin.2

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Spirillum
  2. rat-bite fever

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