Bartonellosis - Symptoms, Signs and Treatment of Bartonellosis

What is Bartonellosis?

Bartonellosis is also known as cat scratch disease, Oroya fever, and Carrión’s disease caused by specific bacterium, Bartonella bacilliformis and characterized by high fevers and progressive anemia. the case-fatality rate of this disease is from 10 to 90% (1). It should be treated in time otherwise there will be high mortality if not treated.

Causes of Bartonellosis

• Exposure to the infected cat (a bite or scratch), or contact with cat saliva on broken skin may cause this disease.
• The most common cause of this disease is Bartonella bacilliformis.
• B clarridgeiae or Afipia felis are causes in some cases.
• B henselae or B quintana infection may cause to the Bacteremia.
• B vinsonii and B grahamii are causes to endocarditis and intraocular infection.

Symptoms of Bartonellosis

• The first sign of this disease are papules and blister on the injured area.
• Swelling on the affected area
• Fever, fatigue and headache
• Weight loss due to the loss of appetite
• Sore throat

Treatment of Bartonellosis

• Erythromycin or doxycycline used to treat this disease but it is cost effective.
• Azithromycin is useful to resolve lymphadenopathy.
• Combination of Rifampin and another drug or the use of gentamicin is consider as useful.
• Valve replacement is require to the patient with vegetation's due to Bartonella infection.
• Rifampin, clarithromycin, or a newer fluoroquinolone antibiotic are suggested as beneficial.
• Tense and painful supportive nodes must be drained.
• Some drugs like Ciprofloxacin, Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole are prescribed as good for this disease.