Abstract

Rat-bite fever, caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis, is often described as a rare zoonotic disease; however, due to underdiagnosis and the lack of epidemiological investigation, it is questioned whether it should be characterized as a neglected disease. Challenges in diagnosing S. moniliformis infections stem from the microorganism’s demanding growth requirements and nonspecific clinical manifestations, which may lead to misinterpretations by healthcare professionals. Traditional culture methods are inefficient, whereas other diagnostic methods, such as PCR and mass spectrometry, offer greater accuracy but remain largely inaccessible in resource-limited settings. The lack of awareness of this zoonosis among human and veterinary health professionals further complicates early diagnosis and effective treatment. Although penicillin remains the first-line therapy, cases of antimicrobial resistance and treatment failures highlight the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. This review underscores the importance of systematic surveillance in animals and humans in urban and research settings, enhanced biosafety measures in animal facilities, and improved interdisciplinary collaboration between human and veterinary health sectors. Key recommendations include increased training for healthcare professionals, comprehensive epidemiological investigations, and structured surveillance protocols to better assess the disease. By addressing diagnostic limitations and improving prevention strategies, the impact of S. moniliformis on public health can be mitigated more effectively.

Keywords

laboratory animals, zoonosis, one health