Cat-scratch disease neuroretinitis diagnosed by a polymerase chain reaction approach.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the value of polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of cat-scratch disease neuroretinitis without conclusive serology.


METHODS
Interventional case report. A 13-year-old girl developed a right neuroretinitis 2 months after a cat scratch. Despite the lack of accompanying features, an infection by Bartonella henselae was suspected and a systemic check-up was performed.


RESULTS
Serologic results excluded other proposed origins but were insufficient in making the diagnosis because of low B. henselae specific IgG level in serum. A polymerase chain reaction analysis for B. henselae DNA in a small axillary lymphadenopathy aspirate enabled us to achieve a definitive diagnosis of cat-scratch disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Polymerase chain reaction is a valuable method of diagnosing cat-scratch disease when serology is considered negative or borderline.
Labalette
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P
Department of Ophthalmology, Lille University Hospital, 2 Oscar Lambret Ave, 59037 Lille cedex, France. p-labalette@chru-lille.fr
Bermond
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Dedes
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Savage
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D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001365:Axilla; D018416:Bartonella henselae / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002372:Cat-Scratch Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000382:microbiology; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012173:Retinitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004318:Doxycycline; D011241:Prednisone