rat-bite fever (rătbīt)
n.
Either of two infectious diseases contractible from the bite of a rat, specifically:
■ A disease caused by the bacterium Streptobacillus moniliformis and characterized by skin inflammation, back and joint pains, headache, and vomiting.
■ A disease caused by the bacterium Spirillum minus and characterized by ulceration at the site of the bite, a purplish rash, and recurrent fever.

[TahlilGaran] American Dictionary ▲