Please discuss any possible case before sending specimens to the laboratory.
NOTE: DO NOT USE HEPARIN TUBES for any DNA analysis
PCR
The preferred specimen is infected tissue collected into a sterile container. Do not add formalin.
Note: Culture is no longer performed on tissue or blood. PCR is offered instead for the detection of Bartonella henselae (Cat Scratch Disease) and other Bartonella species.
Please also see:
Infected tissue.
This must be a dedicated tube not shared with other test requests.
NOTE: DO NOT USE HEPARIN TUBES for any DNA analysis
This test is performed in a weekly batch.
Specimens received in the Microbiology laboratory before 1000 hrs on Monday will be processed that day and the results available on Wednesday.
Specimens arriving after 1000 hrs on Monday will be held and processed in the following Monday's batch.
Turnaround time excludes weekends and public holidays.
Please discuss with the Clinical Microbiologist if urgent or non-routine specimens.
General information for Cat-Scratch Disease caused by Bartonella henselae
Definition
Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a self-limiting febrile illness with localised lymphadenopathy caused by Bartonella henselae , a gram-negative bacterium which is transmitted to people by cat scratches.
Epidemiology of CSD
Worldwide, especially in temperate climates.
Etiology & Pathogenesis
- 17-100% of cats tested have B.henselae bacteraemia. 17% of a sample of domestic cats in Auckland had B. henselae bacteraemia.
- Bacteraemia may last for >22 months.
- B. henselae has also been recovered from the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis.
Risk Factors
For CSD: Cases more likely to have a kitten < 12 months (odds ratio, 15) to have been scratched or bitten by a kitten (OR, 27) and to have at least one kitten with fleas (OR, 29). The scratch or bite is often not recalled by the patient.
For neuropsychological decline or dementia in HIV infected patients: IgM to B.henselae associated with decline/dementia (OR, 7), cat ownership associated with IgM antibodies (OR, 6) and with decline/dementia (OR, 2).
For further information, contact the Microbiology Department via Lablink or the Clinical Microbiologist:
Dr Sally Roberts
, Microbiologist:
ext 22705
Cellphone
021 674 140
Dr Sharmini Muttaiyah
, Microbiologist:
ext 22700
Cellphone
021 615 892
Dr Mary de Almeida
, Microbiologist:
ext 22700
Cellphone
021 170 9117