Human case of Bartonella alsatica lymphadenitis
2008

Human Case of Bartonella alsatica Lymphadenitis

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Angelakis Emmanouil, Lepidi Hubert, Canel Atbir, Rispal Patrick, Perraudeau Françoise, Barre Isabelle, Rolain Jean-Marc, Raoult Didier

Primary Institution: Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France

Hypothesis

Can Bartonella alsatica cause lymphadenopathy in humans?

Conclusion

The case confirms that Bartonella alsatica could be a human pathogen, especially in individuals who have contact with rabbits.

Supporting Evidence

  • Bartonella alsatica was confirmed in the patient's lymph node through molecular methods.
  • The patient had a history of being scratched by a wild rabbit.
  • Histological examination showed granulomas similar to those in cat-scratch disease.

Takeaway

A 79-year-old woman got sick after being scratched by a rabbit, and doctors found out that a germ called Bartonella alsatica was making her lymph nodes swell.

Methodology

The study involved surgical removal of a lymph node, DNA extraction, PCR testing, and immunohistochemical analysis.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report.

Participant Demographics

The participant was a 79-year-old woman.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3201/eid1412.080757

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