Feline bartonellosis. A review

Abstract

Bartonella infection is caused by Gram negative bacteria commonly isolated from domestic cats. Cats are the major reservoir of Bartonella henselae, B. clarridgeiae and B. koehlerae which are transmitted to humans, while they are accidental host of B. quintana, B. bovis KaT B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii. The pathogen is transmitted among cats mainly by fleas while other vectors are also suspicious for transmission since the bacteria have been isolated from ticks and flies. The bacterial pathogenicity may be emphasized by the strain of the bacterium and the immune status of the infected host. Most of the infected cats remain asymptomatic. In the natural occurring cases of feline bartonellosis uveitis, chronic gingivostomatitis and endocarditis have been reported. Mild anemia and leucocytosis in the early phase of the infection has been also reported. Diagnosis is based on the detection of the specific anti-bartonella antibodies by the inderict immunofluorescent test, ELISA and Western blot assays. Molecular biology techniques mainly PCR, cytology, histopathology and blood culture have also been employed for the direct detection of the pathogen. Prolonged antimicrobial therapy results to the reduction of bacterial burden without total elimination of the pathogen. Bartonella henselae is the causative agent of cat scratch disease, a human infection usually characterized by persistent regional lymphadenopathy and less frequently fever while angiomatosis or hepatic peliosis have been reported mainly in immunocompromised patients. It is transmitted to humans by cat scratches or bites. The most effective means of protection is regular flea control. Additionally, commonsense precautions and hygiene such as washing hands after handling pets and clean any cats and bites or scratches promptly are recommended especially in population at great risk.