The expanded spectrum of bartonellosis in children.
Bartonella spp cause various clinical syndromes immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. Domestic cats are the natural reservoir, and vectors of B henselae. B henselae infection usually occurs early in childhood, is generally asymptomatic, and in most cases revolves spontaneously. It may, however, produce a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms, the most frequent feature being cat-scratch disease. Disseminated atypical B. henselae infection may follow cat-scratch disease alter a symptom-free period or may present de novo mimicking a wide range of clinical disorders. A careful clinical history researching an intimate contact with a kitten associated with a specific serology and an abdominal ultrasound for typical hepatosplenic involvement may follow a rapid and accurate diagnosis.
Massei
Francesco
F
Department of Procreative Medicine and Child Development, Division of Pediatrics, University of Pisa Hospital, Italy. f.massei@clp.med.unipi.it
Gori
Laura
L
Macchia
Pierantonio
P
Maggiore
Giuseppe
G
D000818:Animals; D001474:Bartonella Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary; D018416:Bartonella henselae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D002372:Cat-Scratch Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D002415:Cats; D002648:Child; D004199:Disease Vectors; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D013154:Spleen / Q000473:pathology