Etiology:  Streptobacillus moniliformis is a Gram-negative pleomorphic rod.

Transmission:  S. moniliformis found in the saliva or in ocular and nasal secretions and is spread through direct contact with or a bite from infected rats.

Public Health Significance:  People infected with S. moniliformis develop irregular recurrent fever with lymphadenopathy, petechial hemorrhages, polyarthritis and endocarditis.

Please see rat Bacterial Diseases for more detailed information.