Symptomatology
Following a rather long incubation period of from six to eight weeks, although cases have been reported where not more than two weeks had elapsed from the time of injury, during which time the wound of the rat bite heals, we have a rather sudden onset with headache, nausea and marked weakness. The cicatrix now becomes inflamed and the surrounding tissues show oedema and at times vesicle formation. Leading from the inflamed areas is a line of tender lymphatics which extend to a group of swollen lymphatic glands.
The onset is often characterized by chills and malaise. A rapid pulse and prostration are present during the pyrexial period.
The fever rises rapidly to 101°F. or 102°F. and within two or three days has reached about 104°F. and remains high for two or three more days. About this time it falls rapidly to normal, attended with profuse sweating. The temperature remains normal for a few days, during which time the local swelling and inflammation subside. An eruption of purplish spots may accompany the fever, appearing chiefly on chest and arms. There may be urticarial lesions. Joint pains, together with motor and sensory disturbances, may be noted.
Symptoms of nephritis may appear.
After the critical fall of temperature there is usually an apyrexial period of several days during which time the local manifestations about wound and glands subside. The fever again comes on, to later disappear and reappear.
The successive paroxysms are usually of less severity.
The fever is suggestive of the relapsing fevers. The pulse is rapid and weak. There may be as many as twelve of these febrile accessions and the course of the disease may extend over several months. There is an eosinophilia and during the febrile paroxysm a leucocytosis of about 15,000. The spirochaetes should be looked for in the blood during the early febrile periods. The dark-field illumination is the best method for their demonstration.