Transcript Bartonella henslae - University of Louisville

C. Flynn F2013
Modified by DYH
Bartonella henselae
•
•
•
•
Gram-negative bacilli
Polar Flagellum
Aerobic
Optimal growing
conditions:
– Moist atmosphere
– 35-37oC
– Fastidious Growth (Require
blood agar cultures)
• Typically 0.5-1.0 µm in
diameter
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_bartonella.html
C. Flynn F2013
Modified by DYH
Bartonella henselae
•
Uses trimeric autotransporter adhesins
(TAAs) to infect host cells. These
proteins are virulence factors that help
the bacteria infect other organisms.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartonella_henselae)
•
•
•
Human and Feline Strain
Two human strains: Houston-1 strain
and Marseille strain
Causes Cat Scratch Disease (Cat Scratch
Fever)
–
Approximately 20,000 cases occur in the U.S.
annually (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/res/psdsftss/bartonella-henselae-eng.php)
–
–
–
•
Transmitted through human contact with
felines
Extremely swollen and tender lymph nodes
develop 1-2 weeks after exposure.
Fever ensues
Azithromycin has shown the most
promise in antibiotic treatments.
Penicillin has little effect in treatment.
http://www.cdc.gov/bartonella/symptoms/