Archive for the ‘Bartonella’ Category

Prevalence of Bartonella sp. in United States Military Working Dogs With Infectious Endocarditis: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31830708/

Prevalence of Bartonella sp. in United States military working dogs with infectious endocarditis: a retrospective case-control study

A Z Davis 1, D A Jaffe 1, T E Honadel 2, W D Lapsley 1, J L Wilber-Raymond 3, R W Kasten 1, B B Chomel 4

Abstract

Objectives: Bartonella infection has been associated with endocarditis in humans, dogs, cats and cattle. In order to evaluate the importance of this pathogen as a possible source of endocarditis in United States military working dogs (MWDs), we performed a retrospective case-control study on 26 dogs with histological diagnosis of culture negative endocarditis (n = 18), endomyocarditis (n = 5) or endocardiosis (n = 3) and 28 control dogs without any histological cardiac lesions.

Methods: DNA was extracted from paraffin embedded cardiac valves and tissues from case and control dogs and submitted to PCR testing with primers targeting the Bartonella gltA gene. PCR-RFLP using four restriction endonucleases and partial sequencing was then performed to determine the Bartonella species involved.

Results:

  • Nineteen (73%) cases were PCR positive for Bartonella, including B. henselae (8 dogs), B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (6 dogs), B. washoensis (2 dogs) and B. elizabethae (1 dog).
  • Only one control dog was weakly PCR positive for Bartonella.
  • Based on the type of histological diagnosis, 13 (72.2%) dogs with endocarditis, 3 (60%) dogs with endomyocarditis and all 3 dogs with endocardiosis were Bartonella PCR positive.

Conclusions: Bartonella sp. Infections were correlated with cardiopathies in US military working dogs. Systemic use of insecticides against ectoparasites and regular testing of MWDs for Bartonella infection seem highly appropriate to prevent such life-threatening exposures.

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**Comments**

Dogs are sentinels for human tick-borne diseases and should be a warning shot over the bow. This study clearly shows Bartonella is a huge player in heart issues and should always be considered.  Mainstream medicine continues to falsely believe this is a benign infection that will resolve on its own.  

For more:  

Category:

Bartonella, Heart Issues, research

Systemic Bartonellosis Manifesting With Endocarditis and Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33155512/

Systemic Bartonellosis Manifesting With Endocarditis and Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis

Gulvahid Shaikh 1 2, Elvira O Gosmanova 1 2, Natacha Rigual-Soler 2, Paul Der Mesropian 1 2

Free PMC article

Abstract

Cat scratch disease caused by Bartonella species is mostly benign and self-limiting condition. Systemic infection is uncommon in immunocompetent host. We describe the case of a 66-year-old male who presented with sudden painless left eye blindness and brown-colored urine. Laboratory findings revealed progressively rising serum creatinine in association with nephrotic-range proteinuria at 7 g/day and glomerular hematuria on urinalysis. An echocardiogram demonstrated mitral and tricuspid valve vegetations despite multiple negative blood cultures. The left eye blindness was attributed to retinal artery occlusion from septic valvular embolus. Kidney biopsy showed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis pattern of injury with “full house” pattern on immunofluorescent staining with subendothelial deposits on electron microscopy. Markedly elevated IgG (immunoglobulin G) titers for B henselae and B quintana were discovered. The patient had several cats at home. Kidney failure rapidly progressed to require hemodialysis. Once the diagnosis of systemic bartonellosis was confirmed, doxycycline (for 4 months) with rifampicin (for 3 months) were initiated. Repeat echocardiogram in 4 months demonstrated a resolution of valvular vegetations; however, the left eye blindness was permanent. In the present case the correct diagnosis of systemic bartonellosis allowed institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy and to also achieve a partial recovery of renal function and to discontinue hemodialysis.

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**Comment**

I must object to Bartonella being “mostly benign and self-limiting.”  Anyone who has ever had this beast will agree.  It’s not fun and it’s very tenacious.  I could rattle off over 20 cases of systemic infection with Bartonella in immunocompetent patients – some quite severe.

Researchers need to cease and desist from stating prevalence when testing for all tick-borne infections is abysmal – missing thousands of infected patients.  Since these patients are not being diagnosed, they aren’t counted – which means nobody has a clue on how many are infected.  Researchers can state there are limited recorded cases in the literature, but that is a far cry from reality.  They need to refrain from diminishing this any longer.  It’s almost becoming humorous – if it wasn’t so devastating.

For more:  

Category:

Bartonella, research

Systemic Cat-Scratch Disease: A “Troublesome” Diagnosis

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33230057/

SYSTEMIC CAT-SCRATCH DISEASE: A “TROUBLESOME” DIAGNOSIS

. 2020 Nov 18.

doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000002996. Online ahead of print.

Marco Sarno 1, Francesco Maria Rosanio 2, Daniele De Brasi 3, Claudio Santoro 3, Andrea Lo Vecchio 2, Francesco Esposito 4, Paolo Siani 3, Pietro Vajro 5, Laudia Mandato 3
 

Abstract

Diagnosis of systemic cat scratch disease may be challenging. Here, we describe a case of an immunocompetent girl exhibiting fever and multifocal hepatosplenic abscesses. Diagnostic tests for Bartonella henselae infection (enzyme immunoassay and polymerase chain reaction) were found steadily negative and the diagnosis, suspected on the basis of the Margilet’s criteria, was finally confirmed by indirect immunofluorescent antibodies.

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**Comment**

“Troublesome” is certainly an understatement!

According to this, hepatosplenic abscesses in CSD are rarely reported in immunocompetent children, and only 36 cases are listed in various databases:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31307480/

Typically abdominal pain is noted (but not always) and abdominal ultrasounds show the abscesses.  
 
The good news is according to this, antibiotic treatment improves patients quickly:
 
 
 
 
 

Category:

Bartonella, research

Bartonella & Coinfections 5th Annual LymeMIND Virtual Conference 2020

http://

Approx. 35 Min

Bartonella & Coinfections: 5th Annual LymeMIND Virtual Conference 2020

Nov. 2, 2020

  • Marna Ericson, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota 
  • Monica Embers, PhD, Associate Professor, Tulane University
  • Edward Breitschwerdt, DVM
  • Melanie S. Steele Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine 
  • Robert Mozayeni, MD, Translational Medicine Group
  • Neil Spector, MD (posthumously), Associate Professor Medicine, Duke University Medical Center

Why is Bartonella important to consider as a differential diagnosis? What should patients and the public know about prevention, diagnosis and treatment? What does the latest science tell us about Bartonella? How does it interact with Lyme and other tick-borne diseases? What should patients/public know about prevention, diagnosis and treatment?

Hosted by “Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai proudly supported by the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation: Cohen Lyme & Tickborne Disease Initiative”

For more: https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/02/27/advanced-imaging-found-bartonella-around-pic-line/  Bartonella, like Lyme, can be persistent causing chronic infection. Dr. Ericson’s slides within link.

Category:

Bartonella, research

Bartonella, Retinitis & BRAO in 13 Year Old Boy

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32435719/

Branch retinal artery occlusion secondary to Bartonella henselae infection in a 13 year-old

Dala M Eloubeidi 1, David L Kilpatrick 2 3, Jason N Crosson 2 3
Affiliation

Free PMC article

Abstract

Purpose: To summarize the case of a 13 year-old boy diagnosed with a BRAO (branches of retinal vein become blocked) secondary to B. henselae infection.

Observations: The patient presented with a sudden, unilateral, and painless scotoma (interruption in the visual field or blind spot). Fundoscopic findings and multimodal imaging were consistent with a BRAO with associated areas of intraretinal whitening along the involved artery. Upon further questioning, the patient reported having 15 cats at home. Antibodies were positive for B. henselae. The patient was treated with oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 2 months with complete resolution of the retinal findings and the scotoma.

Conclusions and importance: B. henselae should be considered as a potential cause of retinitis and BRAO, even in pediatric-aged patients.

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For more:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/08/10/multimodal-imaging-of-two-unconventional-cases-of-bartonella-neuroretinitis/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/07/21/bartonella-and-neuroretinitis/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/05/10/bartonella-neuroretinitis-not-atypical/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/04/08/case-series-bartonella-ocular-manifestations/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/09/07/keep-an-eye-out-for-bartonella/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/07/28/treatment-strategies-for-neuroretinitis-due-to-bartonella-current-options-emerging-therapies/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/11/01/understanding-bartonella-symptoms-testing-and-treatment/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/01/03/bartonella-treatment/

Category:

Bartonella, Eye Issues, Treatment