rat-bitefever

rat-bite fever (rătʹbīt') n.

Either of two infectious diseases contractible from the bite of a rat, specifically:

a. A disease caused by the bacterium Streptobacillus moniliformis and characterized by skin inflammation, back and joint pains, headache, and vomiting.

b. A disease caused by the bacterium Spirillum minus and characterized by ulceration at the site of the bite, a purplish rash, and recurrent fever.

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