Rat bite fever presenting as localized cellulitis: The first documented presumptive case from Nepal and a call for clinical awareness

This case represents the first documented presumptive case of Spirillum minus RBF in Nepal, which presented atypically. It underscores the importance of clinical suspicion over microbiological confirmation in diagnosing RBF and emphasizes considering RBF in the differential diagnosis of febrile patients with cellulitis and a history of rodent exposure. Early initiation of empiric antibiotic therapy and timely surgical intervention can prevent serious complications. This case highlights RBF as an under-recognized zoonotic disease in Nepal and the need for greater clinical awareness and strengthened public health measures focused on rodent control.