DNA determination of Bartonella henselae (PCR)

General Information

Bartonella henselae It is a small, motile, gram-negative bacterium that is transmitted to humans through cat bites or scratches. The disease is also called barthonellosis or cat scratch disease.

The disease is characterized by the development of signs of inflammation in the center of the primary damage (scratch, bite), enlargement of the surrounding lymph nodes, fever.

Incubation period - after 3-10 days, a brown maculo-papular (spotted-nodular) formation develops in the area of ​​skin damage, which later transforms into a vesicle (bubble). The blister will fester and become covered with pus in a few days. 1-3 weeks after the damage developed on the skin, regional lymphadenopathy is noted, which usually includes enlargement of one or more lymph nodes. Most often, the lymph nodes of the armpit and neck are enlarged, although there may be lymphadenitis of other regions, such as: submaxillary, supraclavicular, in front of the ear, and others. In immunocompetent persons, self-healing is observed in 2-4 months, while in conditions of immunity deficiency, the infectious process can be prolonged even up to 2 years.

Local damage is often accompanied by general manifestations: chills, fever, pain in the head, muscles, joints, signs of general intoxication.

In rare cases, cat scratch disease presents with atypical manifestations:

• Granulomatous conjunctivitis, preauricular lymphadenitis
• Neuroretinitis – sudden loss of vision in one eye due to an inflammatory process on the retina, without pain. Sight is usually restored in 103 months.
• Acute encephalopathy - headache, with progressive drowsiness and depression of consciousness - even up to coma. The process is self-healing, without neurological residual events.
• Endocarditis
• Granulomatous hepatitis
• Development of splenic granulomas
• bone damage
• Vasculitis and nodular skin lesions

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of the disease is based on clinical-epidemiological and serological data. After passing the disease, strong immunity remains.

In addition to serology, the PCR method is also used to detect Barthonella DNA in lymph nodes or other samples. The study is characterized by high specificity and rapid identification of infection. The sensitivity range is 43-76%.

Research material: lymph node biopsy material or blood serum

It does not require prior preparation.

A combination of PCR and serological studies is sometimes required to differentiate Barthonella from other species.