Cat-scratch encephalopathy.
We present a case of cat-scratch disease in a 9-year-old girl, complicated by encephalopathy and seizures. Bartonella (formerly Rochalimaea) henselae is the causative agent in cat-scratch disease; methods now available for detection of this pleomorphic, gram-negative bacterium, including polymerase chain reaction amplification and indirect fluorescence antibody testing, may lead to changes in standard criteria used to verify a diagnosis of cat-scratch disease.
Wheeler
S W
SW
Department of Neurology, Kaiser Foundation Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Wolf
S M
SM
Steinberg
E A
EA
D018416:Bartonella henselae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D002372:Cat-Scratch Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis