Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Bartonella henselae is a gram-negative bacterium primarily transmitted by cat scratches or bites, leading to cat scratch disease. It can also cause more severe infections in immunocompromised individuals.
Bartonella henselae is the causative agent of cat scratch disease (CSD).
Typical symptoms of CSD include fever, lymphadenopathy, and localized papules near the site of infection.
The bacterium is often transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected cat or exposure to flea feces.
Immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk for more serious complications like bacillary angiomatosis and peliosis hepatis.
Diagnosis often involves serological tests to detect Bartonella henselae antibodies or PCR testing for bacterial DNA.
Related terms
Cat Scratch Disease: An infection caused by Bartonella henselae characterized by fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Bacillary Angiomatosis: A vascular proliferative disease caused by Bartonella species, particularly affecting immunocompromised individuals.
Peliosis Hepatis: A rare condition involving blood-filled cysts in the liver associated with Bartonella henselae infection in immunocompromised hosts.