What is Bartonellosis?

• A bacterial infection caused by Bartonella species
• Transmitted by fleas, lice, sandflies, or animal scratches (commonly cats)
• Can affect the skin, lymph nodes, liver, eyes, or heart
• Also known as Cat Scratch Disease (one common type)

What Causes Bartonellosis?

• Bartonella henselae (most common in Cat Scratch Disease)
• Bartonella bacilliformis (causes Carrion’s disease in South America)
• Flea or tick bites
• Contact with infected animals, especially cats
• Exposure to lice or sandflies in endemic areas

What Are the Symptoms?

• Fever and fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes, especially near the site of the scratch or bite
• Skin lesions or rashes
• Headache and muscle pain
• Night sweats
• In severe cases: liver or spleen inflammation, heart infection (endocarditis), eye inflammation

How is It Diagnosed?

• Physical exam and medical history
• Blood tests (serology, PCR for Bartonella DNA)
• Lymph node biopsy (if needed)
• Imaging tests for internal organ involvement
• Culture tests (though Bartonella is hard to grow in labs)

What is the Treatment?

• Often mild cases resolve on their own
• Antibiotics like azithromycin, doxycycline, or rifampin
• Combination antibiotics for severe or systemic infections
• Pain relievers or fever reducers
• Surgical drainage if lymph nodes are extremely swollen

What Are the Complications?

• Persistent fever and malaise
• Liver or spleen abscesses
• Bacillary angiomatosis (in immunocompromised people)
• Endocarditis (especially in those with heart valve disease)
• Neurological issues like encephalopathy or seizures (rare)

Can It Be Prevented?

• Avoid rough play with cats (especially kittens)
• Treat pets for fleas regularly
• Wash any cat bites or scratches thoroughly
• Avoid contact with stray or feral animals
• Wear protective clothing in areas with high sandfly or lice exposure

When to Seek Medical Help?

• Fever and swollen lymph nodes after a cat scratch or bite
• Persistent or worsening symptoms
• Signs of liver, heart, or eye involvement
• If you have a weakened immune system and develop strange symptoms
• No improvement after a few days of home care or antibiotics