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.
LeBoit
P E
PE
Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0506.
D016917:Angiomatosis, Bacillary / Q000473:pathology*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*