BARTONELLA INFECTION

TYPES

Here are a few common types of Bartonella infection and the diseases they cause.

• B. Bacilliformis.It is the primary cause of Carrión’s disease that only affects humans and results in Peruvian warts and other lesions or rashes during the second (chronic) phase.
• B. Quintana. It is the primary cause of trench fever. It is transmitted from person to person by the body louse, which typically affects people living in close quarters with inadequate access to sanitation and cleanliness.
• Bartonella Henselae. It is typically spread from cats to people and is carried by fleas or lice on cats.
• B. Elizabethae. It is harmful to both humans and animals. Endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart tissue’s inner layer, is the most common effect.

SYMPTOMS

Minor to severe symptoms of a bartonella infection can develop and normally show up 5 to 14 days after infection.Typical signs include:

• brain fog
• enlarged glands in the head, neck, and arms
• fatigue
• fever
• headaches
• lack of appetite
• muscular ache

DIAGNOSIS

Patients who have been bitten by a tick, flea, or scratched by a small animal and are displaying any, even minor, signs of Bartonella infections should be evaluated for the diagnosis of Bartonella infection or Bartonellosis.The symptoms and medical background of the patient are frequently used to diagnose CSD cases.

Laboratory tests:

• IFAs (Indirect Immunofluorescent Assay)
• FISH (Fluorescent In-Situ Hybridization)
• Western Blots, PCRs (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

These tests are crucial to support the diagnosis and rule out any cross-reaction with other Bartonella infections that are spread by ticks.

The patient’s healthcare provider should examine the patient. The healthcare provider will utilize laboratory tests and clinical symptoms to determine whether a patient has Bartonella infection or another infection transmitted by ticks.

TREATMENT

Treatment for Bartonella infection or Bartonellosis often entails:

• Aminoglycosides
• Chloramphenicol
• Macrolides
• Tetracyclines

Typically, treatment lasts for at least three weeks. It’s critical to watch out for signs of medication toxicity and patient response.