What diseases can a human contract from a domestic rat? - briefly
Humans can acquire several zoonotic infections from pet rats, including leptospirosis, salmonellosis, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, rat‑bite fever (Streptobacillus moniliformis), and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.
What diseases can a human contract from a domestic rat? - in detail
Pet rats can carry a range of zoonotic agents capable of causing human illness. Transmission occurs through bites or scratches, inhalation of aerosolized secretions, contact with contaminated bedding, or ingestion of contaminated food or water.
- Leptospirosis – caused by Leptospira spp. Bacteria enter through skin abrasions or mucous membranes. Symptoms begin 5‑14 days after exposure and include fever, headache, myalgia, jaundice, and renal impairment. Doxycycline or penicillin resolves most cases; severe disease may require intravenous antibiotics and supportive care.
- Rat‑bite fever – two bacterial forms: Streptobacillus moniliformis (North America, Europe) and Spirillum minus (Asia). Infection follows a bite or scratch; incubation 2‑10 days. Fever, rash, polyarthritis, and migratory arthralgia are typical. Penicillin G or amoxicillin are first‑line treatments.
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome – primarily Sin Nombre virus in North America. Inhalation of aerosolized rodent urine, droppings, or saliva triggers a 1‑3‑week incubation. Early fever, myalgia and gastrointestinal upset progress to severe pulmonary edema and respiratory failure. No specific antiviral; intensive care and ribavirin may improve outcomes.
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) – transmitted by exposure to infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Incubation 1‑2 weeks; symptoms range from mild febrile illness to meningitis, encephalitis, or congenital infection with severe neurological sequelae. Supportive care is standard; ribavirin has limited evidence.
- Salmonellosis – Salmonella spp. spread via fecal contamination of food or surfaces. Incubation 6‑72 hours; presentation includes diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and occasional bacteremia. Fluid replacement and, for high‑risk patients, ceftriaxone or fluoroquinolones are indicated.
- Plague – Yersinia pestis occasionally found in wild rat populations. Direct contact with a sick rat or flea bite may cause bubonic or septicemic plague. Symptoms appear within 2‑6 days as painful lymphadenopathy, fever, and chills. Streptomycin or gentamicin are preferred; early therapy is critical.
- Tularemia – Francisella tularensis can be transmitted through handling infected rodents. Incubation 3‑5 days; ulceroglandular form presents with skin ulcer and regional lymphadenopathy, while pneumonic form causes cough and fever. Streptomycin or gentamicin remain first‑line agents.
- Rat lungworm disease (angiostrongyliasis) – caused by the nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis acquired from ingestion of infected intermediate hosts (snails, slugs) that may contaminate a rat’s environment. Humans develop severe headache, neck stiffness, and eosinophilic meningitis. Diagnosis relies on cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia; corticosteroids alleviate inflammation, while albendazole may reduce parasite load.
Preventive measures include regular veterinary health checks, proper cage hygiene, hand washing after handling, use of gloves for cleaning, and prompt medical evaluation of any bite, scratch, or unexplained febrile illness following exposure to a pet rat.