B. henselae is a gram-negative bacterium that infects red cells and endothelial cells in humans.
Humans are incidental hosts with the infection occurring as a result of a gram-negative bacterium that infects red cells and endothelial cells in humans.
Its primary vector is a cat flea that serves as the predominant reservoir.
Humans are incidental hosts with the infection occurring as a result of a bite or scratch from an infected cat.
Human to human transmission of Bartonella is not typical.
Associated with cat scratch disease and usually presents with cutaneous lesion, lymph node enlargement and fever.
Associated with homelessness, alcohol abuse and cat ownership.
A typical manifestation occur in 5 to 20% of patients and can include ocular, neurological, hepatosplenic, or musculoskeletal involvement.
Can cause subacute endocarditis.
Can cause bacteremia and bacillary angiomatosis in patients with AIDS.
Isolated occasionally from immunocompromised humans, but the cat is the primary reservoir for this species.
Diagnosis:
Serologic testing is the cornerstone of diagnosis: IgM titer of greater than 1 to 20 and IgG titer of greater than 1 to 180 are suggested of active bartonella infection.
PCR testing as a high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for cat scratch disease.
Bartonella specific tissue culture is of limited use.
Management:
Management involves supportive care as the disease is usually self limited, resolving spontaneously in 2 to 4 months.
Clinical benefit has been noted with azithromycin, rifampin, doxycycline, especially in combination.