Clinical Features of an Infection with Spirillum minus (Sodoku)

 

Synonym: sodoku ("rat poison")

 

Distribution: primarily Asia

 

The patient may or may not recollect being bitten by a rat.

 

Clinical features:

(1) ulcer at the site of the rat bite

(2) relapsing fever

(3) macular skin rash

(4) lymphangitis with regional lymphadenopathy

(5) chills and malaise

 

Laboratory features:

(1) negative cultures

(2) demonstration of a Campylobacter-like coiled Gram-negative bacterium

(3) leukocytosis

(4) false positive serologic tests for syphilis (RPR)

 

Complications may include:

(1) endocarditis or myocarditis

(2) hepatitis

(3) meningitis

(4) conjunctivitis

(5) epididymitis