[Disciform keratatis caused by Bartonella henselae infection: detection of a rare ocular complication of cat-scratch disease with PCR].
BACKGROUND
Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a common infectious disease, however its association with a disciforme keratitis is to our knowledge a previously unreported ocular complication.


METHODS
A 65-year old female was treated unsuccessfully with topical antibiotics, acyclovir and corticosteroids for several weeks because of a disciforme keratitis. Repeatedly, microbiological investigations (microscopy and culture) were negative. 16S rDNA-PCR with subsequent DNA-sequencing on material obtained by corneal scrape identified Bartonella henselae. Based on this result we have initiated a treatment with topical cephotaxim and within a short period of time the cornea healed with a paracentral scar.


CONCLUSIONS
16S rDNA-PCR was very helpful in identifying the intracellular sited bacterium Bartonella henselae as the causative pathogen of an unusual form of disciforme keratitis.
Gabler
B
B
Universitäts-Augenklinik Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee, 93042 Regensburg.
Linde
H J
HJ
Reischl
U
U
Lohmann
C P
CP
D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D018416:Bartonella henselae / Q000235:genetics; D002372:Cat-Scratch Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D002415:Cats; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction