1. Streptobacillus moniliformis “Rat-Bite Fever”
M. Piechowski F2013
Modified by DYH
Streptobacillus moniliformis “Rat-Bite Fever”
The Microbe:
Pleomorphic (rod, filamentous); typically arranged in chains
Variable in size: 0.1 to 0.5 um up to 10 to 15 um.
Gram-negative
Nonmotile
-Exists in two forms: it’s spontaneous L-form type is considered nonpathogenic.
Extremely fastidious organism; needs microaerophilic conditions to grow.
-Chemoorganotrophic
Facultative anaerobe; strictly fermentative
S. moniliformis seems to live natural as a member of the commensal flora in the upper respiratory tract of rats. (Rats are asymptomally colonized). As such, has an optimal temperature of degrees C.
Catalase and oxidase-negative enzymes.
Chromosome: Mb.
2 Major contigs.
Molecular percentage of G+C: 24-25%
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROGRAPH OF S. MONILIFORMIS 9901T
AttributeValue% of Total
Genome size (bp)1,673,
%DNA coding region (bp)1,556,
%DNA G+C content (bp)439,
%Number of replicons2
Extrachromosomal elements1
Total genes1,
%RNA genes553.51%rRNA operons5
Protein-coding genes1, %
Pseudo genes694.41%
Genes with function prediction1,
%Genes in paralog clusters %
%CRISPR repeats1
Info from:
.org/index.php/sigen/article/view/sigs.48727/131

2. M. Piechowski F2013
Modified by DYH
The Disease:
RBF is commonly transmitted from scratches or bites of infected rodents or from consuming food or drink with the bacteria. No evidence of person-person transmission.
The Disease characterizes symptoms of Fever, Vomiting, Headache, Sore Throat, Muscle pain, Joint pain and Rash. Symptoms occur 3-10 days after exposure. Rash appears as maculopapular (flat, reddened areas with small bumps) localized to hands and feet extending to extremities. If left untreated, 10% mortality rate.
S. moniliformis virulence not well understood
Alpha hemolysis
Hemoaglutinin
Rod form more virulent than cocci form
Treatment: antibiotics. Penicillin most used.
Wang and Wong BMC Infectious Diseases :56   doi: /
Complete circular genome and plasmid sequencing