Bartonella henselae Antibodies after Cat Bite
Author Information
Author(s): Katarina Westling, Anna Farra, Christina Jorup, Åsa Nordenberg, Bo Settergren, Eva Hjelm
Primary Institution: Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Hypothesis
What is the seroprevalence of antibodies against Bartonella henselae in patients with infected cat bites in Sweden?
Conclusion
The study found a significant prevalence of antibodies against Bartonella henselae in patients with cat bites, indicating that cat bites may contribute to the transmission of this pathogen.
Supporting Evidence
- 34% of patients had antibodies against any B. henselae strain.
- 39% of patients showed reactivity to any Bartonella spp.
- Only 0.8% of controls had antibodies against B. henselae K68 antigens.
- Seroconversion occurred in 18% of patients with two serum samples analyzed.
Takeaway
This study shows that people who get bitten by cats can have antibodies against a germ called Bartonella henselae, which can make them sick.
Methodology
The study analyzed serum samples from patients with infected cat bites and compared them to controls, using immunofluorescence antibody tests.
Limitations
The study relied on retrospective data for cat scratches and had a small sample size for seroconversion analysis.
Participant Demographics
The participants included 51 women and 20 men, with a median age of 47 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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