Streptobacillus moniliformis

Streptobacillus moniliformis is a bacterium that causes a serious infection known as streptobacillary rat-bite fever. This illness is transmitted to humans through rat bites or by consuming food or water contaminated with the waste of infected rodents. When spread through contaminated food or water, it is also called Haverhill fever.1

Symptoms typically appear within 3 to 10 days of infection and can include fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, and a skin rash. A rare but severe complication is the formation of abscesses in the brain, heart, or other tissues. The infection is treatable with antibiotics. Streptobacillus bacteria are rod-shaped and gram-negative, often forming chains.12