Bartonella seropositivity in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura.
BACKGROUND
An association between Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) and seropositivity for Bartonella henselae (BH) has been described. The objective of this study was to see if such an association exists in northern Alberta.


METHODS
Immunofluorescent antibody testing utilizing an antigen prepared from B. henselae was undertaken on sera from six children with current HSP, 22 children with remote HSP, and 28 controls that were matched for age. Blood from the six children with current HSP was analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with primers derived from the citrate synthase (gltA) gene for the detection of Bartonella DNA.


RESULTS
The seropositivity rate for BH was 61% in cases versus 21% in controls (p < 0.03). The PCR assay was negative in all six current cases.


CONCLUSIONS
There is an increased seropositivity rate for BH in children with HSP. However, it is not clear if infection with B. henselae or a related Bartonella species can result in HSP, or if the increased seropositivity is from non-specific or cross-reacting antibodies.
Robinson
Joan L
JL
Department of Pediatrics and Stollery Children's Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada. jr3@ualberta.ca
Spady
Donald W
DW
Prasad
Errol
E
McColl
Dorothy
D
Artsob
Harvey
H
D001474:Bartonella Infections / Q000150:complications*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011695:IgA Vasculitis / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D008297:Male