Deck 38: Streptobacillus Moniliformis and Spirillum Minus

Question 1

Which of the following cause rat-bite fever, or Haverhill fever, which is characterized by acute onset of chills, fever, headache, vomiting, and often severe joint pains, as well as a rash on the palms, soles of the feet, and other extremities?

A) Streptobacillus moniliformis
B) Brucella abortus
C) Bordetella spp.
D) Pasteurella spp.

Answer 1

A
S.moniliformis is a gram-negative bacillus that causes rat-bite fever, or Haverhill fever, in humans.

Question 2

The name given to rat-bite fever when the illness is acquired by the ingestion of the bacterium is:

A) Sodoku.
B) Haverhill fever.
C) monillic fever.
D) monillic gastritis.

Answer 2

B
S.moniliformis is transmitted by two routes: (1)by rat bite or direct contact with rats or (2)by the ingestion of contaminated food or water.Despite the different modes of transmission, the clinical manifestations of S.moniliformis infection are similar.When S.moniliformis is acquired by ingestion, then the disease is called Haverhill fever.

Question 3

Which of the following causes Sodoku, which is characterized by swollen lymph nodes, chills, fever, headache, vomiting, and often severe joint pains, a rash on the palms, soles of the feet, and other extremities, and a granulomatous lesion?

A) Streptobacillus moniliformis
B) Spirillum minus
C) Bordetella spp.
D) Pasteurella spp.

Answer 3

B
S.minus causes rat-bite fever in humans and is referred to as Sodoku.The clinical signs and symptoms are similar to those caused by S.moniliformis, except that arthritis is rarely observed in patients with Sodoku, and swollen lymph nodes are prominent.Febrile episodes are also more predictable in Sodoku.

Question 4

Rat-bite fever caused by Spirillum minus can be differentiated from that caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis by:

A) chills, fever, headache, vomiting, and often severe joint pains.
B) a granulomatous lesion.
C) septic arthritis.
D) endocarditis.

Question 5

The name given to rat-bite fever when the illness is caused by acquired S.minus is:

A) Sodoku.
B) Haverhill fever.
C) monillic fever.
D) monillic gastritis.