Bacillary angiomatosis: a systemic opportunistic infection with prominent cutaneous manifestations.
Bacillary angiomatosis is an opportunistic infection with systemic manifestations. Although most cases have occurred in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients, other immunosuppressed patients, and even seemingly immunocompetent individuals, can become infected. In addition to the well-characterized cutaneous manifestations, visceral involvement can occur and may be the only locus of infection. Lymphadenopathy, bone or soft-tissue masses, fever, and hepatosplenomegaly can be presenting signs. The causative bacterium is still unidentified, but resemblances to the rickettsiae, Rochilamea quintana, the recently identified cat-scratch disease bacillus, and Bartonella bacilliformis have been noted by various investigators. Systemic disease is treatable and can be cured with antibiotic therapy.
Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0506.
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LeBoit
D016917:Angiomatosis, Bacillary / Q000473:pathology*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*