A case of Bartonellosis presenting as a puzzling multisystem disorder complicated by nosocomial COVID-19 infection

Huw Garland; Sarah Stoll; Shalinee Patel; Rahul Mogal

doi:10.1136/bcr-2021-244002

A case of Bartonellosis presenting as a puzzling multisystem disorder complicated by nosocomial COVID-19 infection

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Aug 19;14(8):e244002. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-244002.

Authors

Huw Garland¹, Sarah Stoll², Shalinee Patel², Rahul Mogal³

Affiliations

¹ Watford General Hospital, Watford, UK huw.garland@nhs.net.
² West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford, Hertfordshire, UK.
³ Department of Respiratory Medicine, Watford General Hospital, Watford, Hertfordshire, UK.

Abstract

The most commonly considered infection with a Bartonella species is cat-scratch disease caused by Bartonella henselae Here, we discuss a unique case of a 60-year-old man who presented with Bartonella infection complicated by nosocomial COVID-19. He was admitted with a history of chest pain, persistent fever, rash and influenza-like symptoms. Positive Bartonella serology confirmed diagnosis and the patient developed complications of pericardial effusion in addition to COVID-19 infection, requiring non-invasive ventilation and admission to the intensive care unit. We discuss his symptoms, investigations, treatment and outcomes, while also highlighting the challenges of assessing patients presenting with fever of unknown origin during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; CPAP; drugs: infectious diseases; infections; nosocomial infections.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Bartonella Infections*
COVID-19*
Cross Infection*
Fever of Unknown Origin*
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2