Abstract
<em>Bartonella henselae</em> is a Gram-negative bacterium and the causative agent of Cat Scratch Disease (CSD). Atypical presentations of <em>B. henselae</em> that involve musculoskeletal, hepatosplenic, or neurologic systems are rare. In this case report, we describe a case of <em>B. henselae</em> osteomyelitis involving the thoracic spine at the level of T2, complicated by both hepatic and splenic granulomas in a 5-year-old generally healthy male patient. Although <em>B. henselae</em> is a rare cause of osteomyelitis, it should be considered in patients with a possible cat exposure, who present with fever, pain, and lymphadenopathy.
Highlights
Bartonella henselae is a Gram-negative bacillus that is known to cause cat scratch disease (CSD), usually in children [1]
Clinicians must rely on serologic testing to identify Bartonella henselae, since the causative organism does not grow in culture [6]
We present an atypical case of CSD with vertebral osteomyelitis after possible cat exposure in an immunocompetent patient
Summary
Bartonella henselae is a Gram-negative bacillus that is known to cause cat scratch disease (CSD), usually in children [1]. The organism can be transmitted by kittens or puppies, but most of the cases are usually from kittens under one year of age [1]. It is thought that the cat flea transmits this organism from kitten to kitten, and may directly transmit to humans [2,3]. Children and teenagers make up approximately 80% of patients diagnosed with CSD [4]. Clinicians must rely on serologic testing to identify Bartonella henselae, since the causative organism does not grow in culture [6]. We present an atypical case of CSD with vertebral osteomyelitis after possible cat exposure in an immunocompetent patient
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