Bartonellosis
What is it?
Bartonellosis is a group of infectious caused by bacteria belonging to the Bartonella genus. Bartonella mainly transmitted by carriers like fleas, lice, or sandflies. Of these zoonotic species, several may be transmitted to humans by companion animals (dogs and cats), typically through a bite or scratch.
Bartonella infection does not always cause overt illness. Studies have detected clinically healthy people that have tested positive for Bartonella but have no known history of typical Bartonella symptoms. Those who do become ill usually develop mild disease that tends to end without treatment. However, Bartonella can cause severe infection in some people. Immunocompromised patients, and people with HIV/AIDS, are more likely to develop severe, life-threatening disease.
Additional names
This group contains additional names:
- Bartonella
- Carrion's disease
- Cat scratch disease
- Trench fever
- CSD
Signs & symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Poor appetite
- Brain fog
- Muscle pain
- Swollen glands around the head, neck, and arms.
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Papule or pustule at the inoculation site
Diagnosis
There are several methods used for diagnosing Bartonella infection including microscopy, serology, and PCR. Microscopy of blood smears is used to diagnose Carrion’s disease but for other Bartonella species, microscopy and silver staining are insensitive
Serology and protein-based methods:
- IFA (immunofluorescence antibody assay)
- ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)
PCR
Enrichment Culture
Serial Testing- As Bartonella infect at low levels and cycle between blood and tissues, multiple blood draws over time may be necessary to detect infection
Treatment
Azithromycin has been shown to be the best antibiotic for Bartonellosis . But A number of other antibiotics are effective against Bartonella infections as well, such as penicillins, tetracyclines, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides.
☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.
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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:
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