Microbiology
Summary
Bartonella henselae is classified as a gram-negative bacillus, but is typically hard to visualize with the usage of regular stains; Warthin-Starry stain, a special silver stain, is typically used for its identification. Bartonella henselae causes two notable diseases: cat-scratch fever and bacillary angiomatosis.
Cat scratch fever, as its name suggests, is transmitted through cat scratches. In some unique cases, the disease can cause regional lymphadenopathy. It usually does not require treatment as it's self-limiting. In some cases, treatment might be necessary, especially if symptoms are severe or complications arise. Bacillary angiomatosis, which is also transmitted through cat scratches or bites, primarily affects immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV. Symptoms include fevers, chills, headaches, as well as raised, red vascular lesions over the skin. The treatment primarily suggested for this disease is doxycycline or macrolides.
Lesson Outline
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FAQs
B. henselae is a gram-negative bacilli that is most commonly associated with cat-scratch disease, an often self-limiting condition that causes regional lymphadenopathy. In immunocompromised patients, this bacterium can also cause bacillary angiomatosis, a condition characterised by vascular proliferative lesions that can be similar to Kaposi's sarcoma.
Cat-scratch fever, also known as cat-scratch disease, is caused by the B. henselae bacterium. It is typically transmitted through scratches or bites from infected cats, resulting in symptoms such as regional lymphadenopathy, fatigue, headaches, and in some cases, fever.
The Warthin-Starry stain, a type of silver stain, can be used to visualize B. henselae bacteria in tissue samples. This stain is particularly useful because B. henselae bacteria can be difficult to culture, meaning this staining technique can aid the diagnostic process immensely.
B. henselae is known to cause bacillary angiomatosis, which primarily affects immunocompromised individuals. This condition can lead to vascular proliferative lesions that might be confused with Kaposi's sarcoma, particularly among patients living with HIV/AIDS.
Doxycycline and macrolide antibiotics like azithromycin are often used to treat B. henselae infections. However, the treatment approach can depend on the specific condition and the patient's overall health.
