Cat-scratch disease

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2014 Apr;22(2):148-54. doi: 10.3109/09273948.2013.833631. Epub 2013 Oct 9.

Abstract

Purpose: To discuss the systemic and ocular manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of Bartonella infection.

Method: Review of the literature.

Results: Bartonella are facultative intracellular Gram-negative rods that infect the erythrocytes or endothelial cells and are related to cat scratch disease (CSD). Bartonella henselae infection has localized or systemic features; the ocular diseases related to Bartonella affect 5--10% of patients with CSD. The diagnosis is based on clinical findings and laboratory tests. The indication of antibiotic therapy depends on the manifestation of the Bartonella infection, the host immunity and the patient's age.

Conclusion: Physicians should look for Bartonella henselae in cases of follicular conjuntivitis and regional limphadenopathy, neuroretinitis or retinal infiltrates; currently, serological tests can confirm the clinical suspicion of this infection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bartonella henselae / genetics
  • Bartonella henselae / isolation & purification*
  • Biopsy
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / diagnosis
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / drug therapy
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / microbiology*
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / microbiology*
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Lymph Nodes / microbiology
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • DNA, Bacterial