Spirillum minus

Spirillum minus is a bacterial species that is part of the Spirillum genus. It is known for causing Rat-bite fever (RBF) and Sodoku, two types of zoonotic diseases.

Overview

Spirillum minus is a Gram-negative, aerobic, spiral bacterium. It is one of the two bacteria that cause Rat-bite fever, the other being Streptobacillus moniliformis. In Asia, Spirillum minus is also responsible for causing Sodoku, a type of rat-bite fever.

Pathogenesis

The transmission of Spirillum minus to humans usually occurs through a bite, scratch, or contact with a dead rat. The bacterium enters the human body through the wound and causes infection. The symptoms of the infection include fever, chills, muscle aches, joint pain, and rash. In severe cases, it can lead to complications like endocarditis, meningitis, and pneumonia.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of Spirillum minus infection is challenging due to its slow growth and the difficulty in isolating it from clinical specimens. It is often diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and a history of rat bite. Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as penicillin, tetracycline, or erythromycin.

See Also

• Rat-bite fever
• Sodoku
• Streptobacillus moniliformis

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