Bartonella

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Bartonella

Bartonella (pronounced: bar-toh-nell-uh) is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria. It is the only genus in the family Bartonellaceae.

Etymology

The genus was named after Alberto Leonardo Barton Thompson, a Peruvian scientist who discovered the bacteria in 1909 during a typhus outbreak.

Description

Bartonella are parasitic, intracellular bacteria. They are typically transmitted to humans via vectors such as fleas, ticks, or lice. The bacteria can cause several diseases in humans, including cat scratch disease, trench fever, and Carrion's disease.

Diseases caused by Bartonella

  • Cat scratch disease (CSD) is caused by Bartonella henselae. It is typically transmitted to humans through scratches or bites from infected cats. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
  • Trench fever is caused by Bartonella quintana. It is transmitted through body lice and was a common disease among soldiers during World War I. Symptoms include fever, headache, and skin rash.
  • Carrion's disease is caused by Bartonella bacilliformis. It is transmitted through sand flies in the Andean region of South America. The disease has two phases: Oroya fever and Verruga peruana.

Treatment

Treatment for Bartonella infections typically involves antibiotics such as doxycycline, erythromycin, or azithromycin. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

See also

External links

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