Rat bite fever, spirillary
ICD-10 A25.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rat bite fever, spirillary.
Rat bite fever, spirillary is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Spirillum minus, primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected rats. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain, which typically appear 1-3 weeks after exposure. In some cases, a rash may develop, and complications can arise if left untreated, including septicemia and endocarditis. The disease is considered zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, and is most prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and high rodent populations. Public health measures focus on controlling rodent populations and educating communities about the risks associated with rat bites. Diagnosis is often made through clinical evaluation and serological testing, and treatment typically involves antibiotics. Awareness of this disease is crucial for healthcare providers, especially in endemic regions, to ensure timely diagnosis and management.
Detailed patient history including exposure to rodents, clinical symptoms, and laboratory test results.
Patients presenting with fever and a history of rodent exposure.
Consideration of differential diagnoses and the need for serological testing.
Comprehensive patient history and physical examination findings.
Patients with unexplained fever and potential exposure to rats.
Awareness of local outbreaks and public health recommendations.
When a culture is performed to confirm the diagnosis of rat bite fever.
Document the reason for the culture and the clinical findings.
Infectious disease specialists may require additional lab tests.
Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and sometimes a rash. Symptoms typically appear 1-3 weeks after exposure.
