What diseases can rats transmit to humans? - briefly
Rats are vectors for leptospirosis, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, plague, salmonellosis, and rat‑bite fever. Transmission happens via bites, contaminated food or water, and inhalation of aerosolized urine or feces.
What diseases can rats transmit to humans? - in detail
Rats carry a wide range of zoonotic agents that can infect humans through bites, scratches, contaminated food or water, inhalation of aerosolized urine or feces, and ectoparasite vectors such as fleas and mites.
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Leptospirosis – caused by Leptospira spp. transmitted via contact with urine‑contaminated water or soil. Symptoms range from mild fever and myalgia to severe jaundice, renal failure, and hemorrhage. Doxycycline or penicillin is effective if administered early.
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Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome – acquired by inhaling dust laced with infected rodent droppings. Incubation lasts 1–5 weeks; early phase presents with fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal upset, progressing to rapid respiratory distress. No specific antiviral therapy; supportive intensive care reduces mortality.
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Rat‑bite fever – bacterial infection by Streptobacillus moniliformis (or Spirillum minus in Asia) after a bite or scratch. Presents with fever, rash, polyarthralgia, and vomiting within days. Penicillin G or doxycycline resolves the infection.
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Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) – spread through exposure to rodent excreta. Causes aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, or congenital malformations when transmitted to pregnant women. Diagnosis relies on serology; ribavirin may be used experimentally, otherwise supportive care.
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Plague – Yersinia pestis transmitted by fleas that have fed on infected rats. Forms include bubonic (painful lymphadenopathy), septicemic, and pneumonic plague. Prompt administration of streptomycin, gentamicin, or doxycycline is critical.
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Tularemia – Francisella tularensis can be transmitted by direct contact with rodents or contaminated water. Results in ulceroglandular lesions, fever, and lymphadenopathy. Effective treatment includes streptomycin or gentamicin.
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Typhus – murine typhus caused by Rickettsia typhi spread by fleas. Clinical picture features fever, headache, rash, and chills. Doxycycline remains the drug of choice.
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Salmonellosis – Salmonella spp. can be shed in rat feces, contaminating food surfaces. Leads to gastroenteritis with diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Rehydration and, when indicated, fluoroquinolones or third‑generation cephalosporins are used.
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Bartonellosis (cat‑scratch disease variant) – Bartonella spp. carried by ectoparasites on rats. Produces prolonged fever, lymphadenopathy, and sometimes hepatic or splenic lesions. Azithromycin or doxycycline are effective.
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Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) – nematode larvae released in rat feces, then ingested via contaminated produce. Causes eosinophilic meningitis, severe headache, and neck stiffness. No proven antiparasitic cure; corticosteroids may alleviate inflammation.
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Hymenolepis nana (dwarf tapeworm) – transmitted through ingestion of eggs from rat feces. Results in abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and weight loss. Praziquantel or niclosamide provides cure.
Prevention relies on integrated rodent management, sealing food storage, maintaining clean water supplies, using protective gloves when handling rodents or contaminated materials, and controlling flea and mite populations with appropriate insecticides. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical evaluation improve outcomes for all listed conditions.