Agent Of Cat Scratch Disease Research Articles

Development and Diagnostic Potential of a Novel Bartonella henselae-Specific Immunoglobulin

Bartonella henselae is a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium and is the primary causative agent of Cat Scratch Disease (CSD). Although the prevalence of CSD is low in the human population, the possibility of developing multi-organ complications, especially in vulnerable individuals, remains a serious cause for concern. The immunofluorescent assay (IFA) is currently one of the most common laboratory tests for the detection of antibodies to B. henselae in serum, however, it has several disadvantages. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique offers a more quantitative, sensitive, and cost-effective alternative to conventional IFAs. Here, we report the purification of a novel bioidentical polyclonal antibody from discarded human serum for use as a standard in ELISAs against B. henselae. This novel method of antibody production overcomes the many limitations of animal-derived antibodies while also offering a more robust, reproducible, and scalable antibody production alternative for the diagnosis of CSD.

Lymphoadenopathies caused by Bartonella henselae

Bartonella henselae is the causative agent of cat scratch disease, the main manifestation of which is lymphadenopathy, but it can manifest as bacillary angiomatosis, injury to internal organs, joints, eyes, heart, kidneys. This disease is often encountered in the practical work of doctors, especially with an atypical form of the course, which occurs in 20% of adult patients. Often the disease is undiagnosed, mimicking lymphadenopathies caused by tumors of soft tissues and bones or other bacterial pathogens. The purpose of the work was to analyze clinical cases of cat scratch disease by the results of inpatient records data based on the leading clinical symptom – lymphadenitis, to summarize literature data related to morbidity, features of the clinical course and treatment of this disease. The description of two clinical cases of cat scratch disease in adult women aged 19 and 59 is given. The typical course of the disease in one of them at the beginning of the disease, was manifested by symptoms of general intoxication, fever, an increase in lymph nodes in the neck and axillary area, which coincided in time with the previously diagnosed bacterial angina. The diagnostic search ended with the set diagnosis and surgical operation three months after the onset of clinical manifes¬tations of the disease. In the second case, a subfebrile body temperature, a painful lymph node in the right axillary area for 3 weeks, were the reason to perform an invasive surgery twice, diagnosed as a bacterial process of unknown etiology. The reasons for late diagnosis and treatment of cat scratch disease in our patients were insufficient collection of epi¬demiological anamnesis, lack of vigilance of doctors, first of all, surgeons, regarding the clinical manifestations of the disease and late examination to find out the etiological factor of the disease. An elevated titer of IgM antibodies to Bartonella henselae 1:160 and 1:140 in two cases was the basis for confirming cat scratch disease. Based on the results of the literature analysis, an overview of typical and atypical manifestations of cat scratch disease, its diagnosis and treat¬ment is presented. Bartonella henselae infection should be considered in all cases of lymphadenitis of unknown etiology, accompanied by high temperature, intoxication syndrome and a long course. In order to prevent the development of purulent complications and to avoid unreasonable invasive procedures, it is important to make a timely diagnosis and carry out appropriate antibacterial treatment at the initial stage of the manifestation of clinical symptoms of cat scratch disease.

Epidemiology of feline bartonellosis and molecular characteristics of Bartonella henselae in Bangladesh

Bartonellosis, a neglected vector-borne zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans, continues to threaten human and animal health significantly. This study aims to determine the epidemiology of feline bartonellosis and the molecular characteristics of Bartonella spp. in cats. From June 2018 to June 2020, 304 oral swabs were randomly collected from Bangladesh's Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Rajshahi districts. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to collect data. Oral swabs were subjected to PCR targeting htrA gene to confirm Bartonella spp., which was subsequently validated through sequencing. Risk factors were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalence of feline bartonellosis was found to be 15.1 %. The following factors were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with Bartonella infection in risk factor analysis: cats aged ≥ 1 year (OR: 3.23, 95 % CI: 1.38–24.40), local breed cats (OR: 3.37, 95 % CI: 1.05–10.81), cats carrying fleas (OR: 2.33, 95 % CI: 1.93–13.45), antifleacidal drugs inconsistently administered cats (OR: 6.74, 95 % CI: 3.17–14.31), outdoor access cats (OR: 2.54, 95 % CI: 1.16–5.57). Notably, zoonotic B. henselae was confirmed through sequencing, establishing it as the causal agent of cat scratch disease. Phylogenetic analysis showed homology with B. henselae sequences from Brazil, Saint Kitts, and Nevis. We recommend consistent and appropriate flea control measures to curb its spread among Bangladeshi cats. Moreover, limiting outdoor exposure or implementing preventive measures for outdoor cats could reduce the disease burden. The associated human health risk can be decreased by effectively controlling this disease within the cat population.

Viability and Desiccation Resistance of Bartonella henselae in Biological and Non-Biological Fluids: Evidence for Pathogen Environmental Stability.

Pathogen environmental stability is an often-neglected research priority for pathogens that are known to be vector-transmitted. Bartonella henselae, the etiologic agent of Cat Scratch Disease, has become a "pathogen of interest" in several serious human illnesses, which include neoplastic, cardiovascular, neurocognitive, and rheumatologic conditions. Survival in the flea gut and feces as well as the association with a biofilm in culture-negative endocarditis provides insight into this organism's ability to adjust to environmental extremes. The detection of B. henselae DNA in blood and tissues from marine mammals also raises questions about environmental stability and modes of pathogen transmission. We investigated the ability of B. henselae to survive in fluid matrices chosen to mimic potential environmental sources of infective materials. Feline whole blood, serum and urine, bovine milk, and physiologic saline inoculated with a laboratory strain of B. henselae San Antonio 2 were subsequently evaluated by culture and qPCR at specified time intervals. Bacterial viability was also assessed following desiccation and reconstitution of each inoculated fluid matrix. Bartonella henselae SA2 was cultured from feline urine up to 24 h after inoculation, and from blood, serum, cow's milk, and physiologic saline for up to 7 days after inoculation. Of potential medical importance, bacteria were cultured following air-desiccation of all fluid inoculates. The viability and stability of Bartonella within biological and non-biological fluids in the environment may represent a previously unrecognized source of infection for animals and human beings.

A bottom-up proteomics workflow for a system containing multiple organisms.

Discovery proteomics has been popularized to be essential in the investigator's biological toolbox. Many biological problems involve the interplay of multiple organisms. Herein, a bottom-up proteomics workflow was developed to study a system containing multiple organisms to promote a thorough understanding of how each interacts with the others. A label-free quantification proteomics workflow was developed with nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS). This protocol describes a bottom-up proteomics workflow used to study differential protein expression in the context of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis felis) experimentally infected by the bacterium Bartonella henselae, the etiological agent of Cat Scratch Disease (CSD). Step-by-step instructions are provided for protein extraction, protein cleanup, total protein measurement, nanoLC-MS/MS data acquisition, and data analysis using Proteome Discoverer software. Comprehensive and exhaustive details are included to promote the adoption of this proteomics workflow in other laboratories. A proteomics protocol is detailed for a system containing multiple proteomes from different taxonomic lineages using CSD (cats bitten by fleas infected with Bartonella henselae) as a model. The operating protocol can be readily applied to other label-free proteomics work involving multiple proteomes from taxonomically distinct organisms.

Molecular detection and identification of Bartonella species in cats from Hamedan and Kermanshah, Western Iran

Bartonella species are emerging vector-borne zoonotic pathogens which infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals as well as humans. Cats are the primary reservoir hosts for several zoonotic Bartonella spp., the most common being B. henselae the causative agent of cat scratch disease. Despite the important role of cats in the epidemiology of bartonellosis, there is limited information about the prevalence and species infecting cats in Iran. The aim of present study was molecular detection and identification of Bartonella species in cats from two western provinces Hamedan and Kermanshah. From December 2018 to February 2021, 87 cats (n = 26 from Hamedan, n = 61 from Kermanshah) were examined clinically, their bodies were searched for collection of ectoparasites, and cephalic or saphenous blood specimens were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood specimens and conventional PCRs targeting the rpoB, and ITS regions of Bartonella spp. were performed. Positive samples were sequenced and analysed phylogenetically. Bartonella DNA was detected in 11/87 cats (12.64 %). Sequencing results revealed the presence of B. henselae in cats from Hamedan, and B. clarridgeiae and B. henselae in cats from Kermanshah. A statistical association between cat origin and the prevalence of Bartonella spp. was observed in the studied population. This study confirms for the first time the circulation of Bartonella spp. in cats in two western Iranian provinces. Prevention strategies e.g. ectoparasites control, and regular examination of pet and urban cats are suggested for minimising Bartonella infection in cats and subsequently in humans.

Serological review of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana infection among Malaysian patients with unknown causes of febrile illnesses.

Limited information is available on human exposure to Bartonella infection, i.e., Bartonella henselae (causative agent of cat scratch disease) and Bartonella quintana (causative agent of trench fever) in West Malaysia. This study reports a review of serological findings obtained from patients attending to a teaching hospital in Klang Valley, Malaysia. An indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was used to determine IgG and IgM antibody titers against B. henselae and B. quintana. In a pilot study conducted between 2013-2015, IgG antibodies against Bartonella spp. (either B. quintana and B. henselae) were detected in 14 (36.8%) of 38 patients who were clinically suspected of rickettsial infections, while IgM antibody was detected in 4 (10.5%) patients. This has prompted us to investigate the serologic responses of patients who were clinically suspected of other febrile causes besides rickettsial infection. Of the 59 serum samples analysed in a follow-up investigation, Bartonella IgG antibodies were detected from 7 (11.9%) patients, of which 5 (27.8%) and 2 (18.2%) patients were clinically suspected of rickettsial infection (n=18) and dengue (n=11), respectively. None of the sera obtained from the leptospirosis (n=10), legionellosis (n=10) and mycoplasma infection (n=10) groups were seropositive to Bartonella spp. The review of Bartonella serological findings in this study highlights that Bartonella infection is not uncommon and should be considered as one of the causes for febrile illness in Malaysia.

Long-Read Sequencing Reveals Genetic Adaptation of Bartonella Adhesin A Among Different Bartonella henselae Isolates.

Bartonella henselae is the causative agent of cat scratch disease and other clinical entities such as endocarditis and bacillary angiomatosis. The life cycle of this pathogen, with alternating host conditions, drives evolutionary and host-specific adaptations. Human, feline, and laboratory adapted B. henselae isolates often display genomic and phenotypic differences that are related to the expression of outer membrane proteins, for example the Bartonella adhesin A (BadA). This modularly-structured trimeric autotransporter adhesin is a major virulence factor of B. henselae and is crucial for the initial binding to the host via the extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin and collagen. By using next-generation long-read sequencing we demonstrate a conserved genome among eight B. henselae isolates and identify a variable genomic badA island with a diversified and highly repetitive badA gene flanked by badA pseudogenes. Two of the eight tested B. henselae strains lack BadA expression because of frameshift mutations. We suggest that active recombination mechanisms, possibly via phase variation (i.e., slipped-strand mispairing and site-specific recombination) within the repetitive badA island facilitate reshuffling of homologous domain arrays. The resulting variations among the different BadA proteins might contribute to host immune evasion and enhance long-term and efficient colonisation in the differing host environments. Considering the role of BadA as a key virulence factor, it remains important to check consistently and regularly for BadA surface expression during experimental infection procedures.

Using Proteomic Approaches to Unravel the Response of Ctenocephalides felis felis to Blood Feeding and Infection With Bartonella henselae.

Among the Ctenocephalides felis felis-borne pathogens, Bartonella henselae, the main aetiological agent of cat scratch disease (CSD), is of increasing comparative biomedical importance. Despite the importance of B. henselae as an emergent pathogen, prevention of the diseases caused by this agent in cats, dogs and humans mostly relies on the use of ectoparasiticides. A vaccine targeting both flea fitness and pathogen competence is an attractive choice requiring the identification of flea proteins/metabolites with a dual effect. Even though recent developments in vector and pathogen -omics have advanced the understanding of the genetic factors and molecular pathways involved at the tick-pathogen interface, leading to discovery of candidate protective antigens, only a few studies have focused on the interaction between fleas and flea-borne pathogens. Taking into account the period of time needed for B. henselae replication in flea digestive tract, the present study investigated flea-differentially abundant proteins (FDAP) in unfed fleas, fleas fed on uninfected cats, and fleas fed on B. henselae-infected cats at 24 hours and 9 days after the beginning of blood feeding. Proteomics approaches were designed and implemented to interrogate differentially expressed proteins, so as to gain a better understanding of proteomic changes associated with the initial B. henselae transmission period (24 hour timepoint) and a subsequent time point 9 days after blood ingestion and flea infection. As a result, serine proteases, ribosomal proteins, proteasome subunit α-type, juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase 1, vitellogenin C, allantoinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, glycinamide ribotide transformylase, secreted salivary acid phosphatase had high abundance in response of C. felis blood feeding and/or infection by B. henselae. In contrast, high abundance of serpin-1, arginine kinase, ribosomal proteins, peritrophin-like protein, and FS-H/FSI antigen family member 3 was strongly associated with unfed cat fleas. Findings from this study provide insights into proteomic response of cat fleas to B. henselae infected and uninfected blood meal, as well as C. felis response to invading B. henselae over an infection time course, thus helping understand the complex interactions between cat fleas and B. henselae at protein levels.

Coinfection of Bartonella spp. and Borrelia Burgdorferi in Ixodes Scapularis Using PCR Assay, a Case Study in Nova Scotia

Coinfection of vector species can provide more insight into the complex relationship between zoonotic pathogens and its host. Ixodes scapularis (Say) or the deer-tick in particular is an important species in North America because of its exceptional ability as a vector that can transmit zoonotic diseases such as Lyme and Cat Scratch Disease (CSD). In recent years, many studies have suggested a possible link between the coinfection of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme, with other tick-borne bacteria such as Bartonella spp., the causative agent of CSD, as partly responsible for the symptoms associated with Chronic Lyme Disease or Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome. This study investigates the prevalence of Bartonella spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi in Ixodes scapularis using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay to potentially find a link between the two of the most common tick-borne pathogens found in Nova Scotia. Standard PCR using primers targeted at the two bacterial species were conducted on 157 I. scapularis ticks collected in Nova Scotia. Overall, we found high prevalence for both bacteria at 75.16% for Bartonella spp. and 47.13% for B. burgdorferi with no significant differences between the sex of the ticks. Interestingly, all the ticks positive for B. burgdorferi were also positive for Bartonella spp. which implies that the coinfection rate between B. burgdorferi and Bartonella spp. is 47.13%. We report one of the highest coinfection rates for B. burgdorferi and Bartonella spp. in I. scapularis, consistent with the current trends of increasing tick presence in North America.

Botanical Medicines With Activity Against Stationary Phase Bartonella henselae

Abstract Bartonella henselae is a Gram-negative bacterium and is the causative agent of cat scratch disease. In humans, infections with B. henselae can result in acute or chronic systemic infections with diverse clinical symptoms. The current treatment for Bartonella infections with antibiotics such as doxycycline and rifampin is not always effective, presumably due in part to bacterial persistence. There are various anecdotal reports of herbal extracts used for treating patients with persistent Bartonella infections but their activity on B. henselae is unknown. In order to identify more effective therapies for persistent Bartonella infections, in this study, we tested the antimicrobial activity of botanical and herbal medicines and screened an herbal product collection against stationary phase B. henselae in vitro using a SYBR Green I/propidium iodide viability assay. We identified five herbal product extracts (at 1.67 mg/mL or 2.5 mg/mL), including Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Juglans nigra, Polygonum cuspidatum, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Scutellaria barbata, that had high activity against stationary phase B. henselae. Among them, C. sanguinolenta, J. nigra, and P. cuspidatum could eradicate all stationary phase B. henselae cells within 7 days at 0.83 mg/mL or 1.25 mg/mL in drug exposure time-kill assays, whereas S. baicalensis and S. barbata showed relatively poor activity. These top hits were active against both stationary phase non-growing B. henselae and log phase growing B. henselae in minimum inhibitory concentration testing. These findings may have implications for improved treatment of persistent Bartonella infections.

Ataxic Gait and Back Pain in an Immunocompetent 5-Year-Old Boy

<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.

#28: Rapid, Non-invasive Detection of Invasive Bartonella Infections in Pediatric Patients Using the Karius Test, A Next-Generation Sequencing Test for Microbial Cell-free DNA in Plasma

Abstract Background Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana are the etiologic agents of cat scratch disease (CSD) and “trench fever”, respectively. Both are important causes of culture-negative endocarditis and fever of unknown origin (FUO). The diagnosis of Bartonella infections is limited by (1) the nonspecific, protean manifestations of the disease and its broad differential diagnosis; (2) the fastidious nature of Bartonella spp., leading to rare detections with traditional culture based methods; (3) the insensitivity and poor specificity of Bartonella serologies. Rapid, non-invasive diagnosis of Bartonella through next-generation sequencing (NGS) of plasma microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) offers a means to overcome these limitations. Here we describe the diagnosis of 23 Bartonella infections in children from August 2017 – December 2020 using plasma mcfDNA NGS. Methods The Karius Test (KT), developed and validated in Karius’ CLIA certified/CAP accredited lab, detects mcfDNA in plasma. After mcfDNA is extracted and NGS performed, human reads are removed, and remaining sequences are aligned to a curated database of &amp;gt; 1400 organisms. McfDNA from organisms present above a statistical threshold are reported and quantified in molecules/μL (MPM). Clinical information was included from data submitted with the requisition or obtained at the time of reporting from clinical consultations with the provider. Results KT detected Bartonella henselae mcfDNA in 22 cases and Bartonella quintana in 1. Detections included 10 cases of endocarditis (7 prosthetic valve), 12 cases of CSD/FUO, and a single case of osteomyelitis. Glomerulonephritis was reported in 5 the cases of endocarditis. Six cases had splenic involvement; three had hepatic involvement. History of cat exposure was elicited in 8 cases. The mean MPMs was highest for prosthetic valve endocarditis (mean 47,272 +/- 67,526) followed by native valve endocarditis (3,881 +/- 2,458), FUO/CSD (1,922 +/- 3,416), and osteomyelitis (119 +/- 0) (p&amp;lt;0.05). Three subjects had serial mcfDNA monitoring. Predictable declines in Bartonella mcfDNA were observed in response to therapy in all three patients. The duration of positive Bartonella mcfDNA signal ranged from 22–42 days (30.7, +/- 10.3). Conclusion Open-ended, plasma-based NGS for mcfDNA provides a rapid, non-invasive method to diagnose diverse clinical manifestations of invasive pediatric Bartonella infection against a competing broad differential diagnosis. The quantification of mcfDNA may further help in differentiating the various clinical syndromes caused by Bartonella. Finally, serial monitoring to trend MPMs may serve as an indicator of burden of infection, provide a means to monitor treatment efficacy and ultimately help define the length of therapy for optimal outcomes. All detections are Bartonella henselae except for one case of *Bartonella quintana (prosthetic valve endocarditis). MPM=molecules/μL; GN=glomerulonephritis, LN=lymph node involvement, FUO=fever of unknown origin, CSD=cat scratch disease

Bartonella henselae IgM seropositivity in both adult and pediatric patients with diverse clinical conditions in Turkey.

Bartonella henselae is the causative agent of cat scratch disease (CSD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical data of patients with suspicion of CSD and delineate current epidemiological features.A total of 785 patients with suspected CSD were included in the study. B. henselae IgM antibody was determined by indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test using a commercial kit (Euroimmun, Germany). Sex, age, clinical pre-diagnosis and animal contact information of the patients were obtained from hospital electronic database records.Seventy-eight (9.9%) of 785 samples were seropositive. Out of 78 patients, 46 with animal contact data were further analyzed. Of these patients, 56% were male, and 41% were under 18 years of age. Seropositivity was more commonly observed in fall and winter. The most common finding was lymphadenitis (63%). Thirty-five patients (76%) had a previous history of animal contact (cat/dog). Of the 46 seropositive patients, 78.3, 15.2, 4.4, and 2.1% had titers of 1:80, 1:160, 1:320, and 1:640, respectively.Our study confirms that CSD is not rare in Turkey. Thus, it should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with lymphadenopathy in all age groups, particularly children. Questioning of cat exposure should never be neglected, especially in areas with intense population of stray cats, such as Istanbul.

First molecular detection of Bartonella spp. in stray cats and dogs in Morocco

Background: Infections, which are caused by species of Bartonella produce a broad group of zoonosis with a worldwide distribution. In fact, Bartonella henselae is the main causal agent of cat scratch disease (CSD), and several other syndromes in humans. Furthermore, cats and dogs can be a source of many zoonotic diseases for human being. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Bartonella henselae, Bartonella vinsonii subsp. Berkhoffii and Bartonella clarridgeiae in stray cats and dogs in Morocco, and assess the potential risk factors for feline and canine infections. Methods & Materials: As a matter of fact, blood samples of 130 cats and 158 dogs were collected from the West region of Morocco including Kenitra, Rabat, Temara, Casablanca, Settat, and Eljadida areas. Later on, DNA was extracted and tested by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), targeting a fragment of the intergenic transcribed sequence (ITS) with specific primers. Then, positive samples were confirmed by PCR using the FtsZ gene. Last but not least, the PCR products were sequenced to identify Bartonella species. Results: As a result, Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae were detected in 30% (39/130) of stray cats. However, none of the dogs’ samples were tested positive in the PCR assays. It is worth to note that female gender and exposure to fleas were statistically associated with the infection. Conclusion: After reviewing all scientific studies conducted in Morocco and related to the vector borne diseases field, it is confirmed that this is the first study of its kind in Morocco, which examines blood of stray dogs and cats using molecular techniques. What is more, we should highlight the importance of the feline and canine population as a source of zoonotic agents and potential infection risk to humans.

Molecular and Serological Survey of the Cat-Scratch Disease Agent (Bartonella henselae) in Free-Ranging Leopardus geoffroyi and Leopardus wiedii (Carnivora: Felidae) From Pampa Biome, Brazil.

The genus Bartonella comprises emerging bacteria that affect humans and other mammals worldwide. Felids represent an important reservoir for several Bartonella species. Domestic cats are the main reservoir of Bartonella henselae, the agent of cat scratch disease (CSD). It can be transmitted directly by scratches and bites from infected cats and via cat fleas. This study aims to investigate the circulation of Bartonella spp. in free-ranging Neotropical wild felids from Southern Brazil using serological and molecular methods. In this study, 53 live-trapped free-ranging wild felids were sampled, 39 Leopardus geoffroyi and 14 Leopardus wiedii, from five municipalities in the Rio Grande, do Sul state, southern Brazil. All captured animals were clinically healthy. Two blood samples of L. geoffroyi were positive, by PCR, for the presence of B. henselae DNA. Conversely, none of L. wiedii blood samples were positive when tested using PCR. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) showed that 28% of serum samples of wild felids were reactive (seropositive) for B. henselae by immunofluorescence, with titers ranging from 64 to 256. The results presented here provide the first evidence of a Bartonella-enzootic cycle involving L. geoffroyi and L. wiedii, which may account for the spillover of the emerging zoonotic pathogen B. henselae for the indigenous fauna in Southern Brazil.

Detection of Flea-Borne Pathogens from Cats and Fleas in a Maltese Shelter.

In a sanctuary located on the island of Malta, 23 clinically healthy cats randomly selected were sampled for blood and fleas. Only fleas were collected from 35 cats. All fleas were identified as Ctenocephalides felis, except for one specimen of Ctenocephalides canis. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this may be the first time to establish the occurrence of Bartonella koehlerae and B. clarridgeiae, as well as of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum in the blood samples of 11 cats (47.82% [95% CI: 29.33-67.04]) with conventional PCR assays. One or more pathogens were found in 54 (96.42% [95% CI: 86.74-99.70]) out of 56 pooled flea samples, the most prevalent was Rickettsia felis. The DNA of Bartonella henselae, the commonest etiological agent of cat scratch disease, was detected first time in a pooled flea sample of a cat.

Can Cats Cause Schizophrenia? an Insight into the Role of Bartonella Henselae in Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Bartonella henselae is a fastidious gram-negative rod which is the etiological agent of Cat Scratch Disease(CSD) and is allied with bacillary angiomatosis in HIV-infected individuals.

Feline bartonellosis· A review

Bartonella infection is caused by Gram negative bacteria commonly isolated from domestic cats. Cats are the major reservoir of Bartonella henselae, B. clarridgeiae and B. koehlerae which are transmitted to humans, while they are accidental host of B, quintana. Β, bovis και Β, vìmonìi subsp. berkhoffìi. The pathogen is transmitted among cats mainlyby fleas while other vectors are also suspicious for transmission since the bacteria have been isolated from ticks and flies.The bacterial pathogenicity may be emphasized by the strain of the bacterium and the immune status of the infected host. Most of the infected eats remain asymptomatic. In the natural occurring cases of feline bartonellosis uveitis, chronic gingivostomatitis and endocarditis have been reported. Mild anemia and leucocitosi s in the early phase of the infection has been also reported. Diagnosis is based on the detection of the specific anti-bartoneila antibodies by the inderict immunofluorescent test, ELISA and Western blot assays. Molecular biology techniques mainly PCR, cytology, histopathology and blood culture have also been employed for the direct detection of the pathogen. Prolonged antimicrobial therapy results to the reduction of bacterial burden without total elimination of the pathogen.Bartonella henselae is the causative agent of cat scratch disease, a human infection usually characterized by persistent regional lymphadenopathy and less frequently fever while angiomatosis or hepatic peliosis have been reported mainly in immunocompromised patients. It is transmitted to humans by cat scratches or bites. The most effective means of protection is regular flea control Additionally, commonsense precautions and hygiene such as washing hands after handling pets and clean any cats and bites or scratches promptly are recommended especially in population at great risk.

Prevalence of Bartonella henselae in blood donors and risk of blood transmission in Chile

Bartonella henselae is the causal agent of cat scratch disease in immunocompetent persons and bacterial angiomatosis in immunocompromised patients. In Chile, the prevalence of antibodies against B. henselae in healthy children and adolescents is 13.3%, in persons with occupational risk 60.5%, and in cats 85.6%. There are no published data regarding the seroprevalence in blood donors in our country, so determining if B. henselae is present in the blood of donors at the time of donation is very important, since this microorganism can survive up to 35 days in the red blood cells stored in a blood bank at 4 °C. To determine the prevalence of B. henselae in blood donors. 140 donor blood samples were analyzed to detect the presence of B. henselae, using the polymerase chain reaction technique. 13.6% of the blood donors with positive polymerase chain reaction for B. henselae were obtained. The sequence of the amplified fragments showed an identity of over 98% with respect to B. henselae reference sequences. The risk of blood transmission is due to a country with high B. henselae infection.