Bartonellosis

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Bartonellosis, a rarely diagnosed bacterial zoonosis caused by Bartonella species is capable of inducing a number of neurological diseases, such as nervous paresis and Parinaud syndrome, and it may affect the eye, and namely the retina. Methods: Cats are the main reservoir for human‐pathogen species, i.e. Bartonella henselae , the etiologic agent in cat scratch disease, but dogs can also be infected with Bartonella parasites. Ocular bartonellosis is widely associated with Bartonella henselae, is most often associated with ocular complications, which may include Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome, neuroretinitis, and focal retinochoroiditis. Results: The typical clinical presentation of neuroretinitis and Parinaud syndrome will be presentetd and personal treatment experience will serve the basis for discussion. Numerous other clinical patterns have been reported occasionally. The diagnosis of ocular bartonellosis relies on the identification of suggestive clinical signs in conjunction which is confirmed by serological and eventually aqueous humour testing. B. henselae‐associated ocular disease is usually self‐limited but go along with transient more or less significant visual complaints. If the infection is clinically severe or sight‐threatening, treatment may be considered, usually with doxycycline or erythromycin, eventually combined with rifampin. Conclusions: B. henselae infection may be significantly more common than clinically diagnosed and should be considered in patients with Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome, neuroretinitis, or focal retinochoroiditis, particularly when there is a history of pet or flea exposure.