Rat-bite Fever 



541 



pears, varying in size from i-io cm. in diameter and of general dis- 

 tribution. After s to 9 days the temperature falls by crisis accom- 

 panied by a drenching sweat and all symptoms subside. The disease 

 then assumes the relapsing type with paroxysms occurring at fairly 



Fig. 208. — Section of the lung of a mouse inoculated with venous blood from 

 a patient with rat-bite fever. The length of the body of the spirochaeta is 2.2^; 

 including the flagella it is 6ju. Silver impregnation. X 1500. (Futaki, Takaki, 

 Taniguchi, and Osumi.) 



regular intervals, usually about once a week. The course may vary 

 from two to three months or even longer. Gradually the relapses 

 become less frequent and less severe and the disease often terminates 

 with an abortive paroxysm. The more important complications 



sfe f^". 



Fig. 209. — Spirochaetae from a guinea-pig with experimental rat-bite fever. 

 The length of the bodies varies from 2.2 to 4m. Giemsa's stain. X 1250. 

 (Futaki, Takaki, Taniguchi,.and Osumi.) 



are nephritis, severe anemia and emaciation. About 10 per cent, 

 of the cases terminate fatally, usually during the first febrile period, 

 occasionally later from nephritis or exhaustion. 



