Causes of Spirillosis
Spirochete is a short spirillum (length from 2 to 4 microns, width 0.2 microns), has 2-3 curls, rarely up to 10 microns in length and more than 5 curls. Mobile, well-tinted according to Romanovsky-Giemsa. It grows poorly on nutrient media, pathogen for rats, white mice, guinea pigs, monkeys. Sensitive to penicillin, tetracycline.
Pathogenesis during Spyrillosis
The reservoir and source of infection of the spirochete is rats and less often other animals (weasels, squirrels, rabbits, dogs).
Symptoms of Spyrillosis
The incubation period lasts 10-14 days (for spirocheta infection) or from 1-3 days (most often) to 3 weeks for streptobacillus infection. The maximum term for spirochete infection is 36 days. During the incubation of the wound at the site of the bite can heal. At the onset of the disease, simultaneously with the onset of symptoms of intoxication, a primary affect occurs at the site of the bite, which is initially a dense, painful infiltration on which a blister forms, and then an ulcer. Lymphangitis and regional lymphadenitis develop. Chills, fever, weakness, muscle pain. The body temperature is 39–40 ° C, the fever persists for 5–7 days, then falls critically with pouring. After 3-7 days, the attack is repeated. The number of seizures (in the absence of etiotropic therapy) is from 6 to 20 and more, the disease may be delayed for several months. Very often, starting from the 2-3rd seizure, a maculopapular, urtikarny or rubella-like rash appears, which affects the whole body, but especially thickens in the area of primary affect. During seizures, patients experience strong muscle and joint pain, neuralgia, and sometimes paresthesia. Blood picture – anemia, lymphocytosis, eosinophilia.