Infection in a Young Immunocompetent Male Caused by Streptobacillus Felis, a Putative Zoonotic Microorganism Transmitted by Cats

Rat bite fever (RBF) is predominantly caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis. We report a human infection with Streptobacillus felis. Clinical presentation was consistent with RBF, but serologic testing was negative for S moniliformis. Eventually, S felis-specific sequences were detected in skin lesions of the patient and in the oropharynx of local cats.