Bartonellosis

(Bartonella henselae & Bartonella spp.)

 
Species

Bacterial

Transmission time

48-72
Hours

 
 

Details

Symptoms

  • Individuals infected with Bartonella henselae may be asymptomatic or have symptoms similar to cat scratch fever and include:
    • Swollen, red marks resembling scratches.
    • Visibly swollen lymph nodes
    • Complications of the heart, eyes, and spleen.
    • Seizures and possible coma induced by encephalitis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Clinical signs and a history of exposure are most often used for diagnosis.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction may also assist in diagnosis by detecting the presence of Bartonella species DNA in serum.

 

 

CDC Treatment Recommendation

  • Infection may resolve without intervention.
  • The suggested dose of azithromycin is as follows:
  • Adults and Children >45.5kg: 500mg on day 1 and 250mg for 4 days.
  • Children < 45.5kg: 10mg/kg on day 1 and 5mg/kg for 4 days.

 

Disease Pathogenesis

  • Bartonella henselae will infect endothelial cells and white blood cells leading to complications in the eyes, spleen nervous system, kidney, and bones if left untreated.
  • A strong immune response typically results in disease symptoms and will resolve within 2-6 months.

 

 

 

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