The expanded spectrum of bartonellosis in children

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2005 Sep;19(3):691-711. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2005.06.001.

Abstract

Bartonella spp cause various clinical syndromes immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. Domestic cats are the natural reservoir, and vectors of B henselae. B henselae infection usually occurs early in childhood, is generally asymptomatic, and in most cases revolves spontaneously. It may, however, produce a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms, the most frequent feature being cat-scratch disease. Disseminated atypical B. henselae infection may follow cat-scratch disease alter a symptom-free period or may present de novo mimicking a wide range of clinical disorders. A careful clinical history researching an intimate contact with a kitten associated with a specific serology and an abdominal ultrasound for typical hepatosplenic involvement may follow a rapid and accurate diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bartonella Infections* / drug therapy
  • Bartonella Infections* / epidemiology
  • Bartonella Infections* / physiopathology
  • Bartonella Infections* / veterinary
  • Bartonella henselae / isolation & purification
  • Cat Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cat-Scratch Disease* / complications
  • Cat-Scratch Disease* / drug therapy
  • Cat-Scratch Disease* / epidemiology
  • Cat-Scratch Disease* / pathology
  • Cats
  • Child
  • Disease Vectors
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology
  • Spleen / pathology