Wildlife Disease and Zoonotics
Document Type
Article
Date of this Version
1995
Abstract
Two members of the genus Bartonella, Bartonella quintana (formerly Rochalimaea quintana) and Bartonella henselae (formerly Rochalimaea henselae), have recently been recognized as agents of severe or fatal disease in patients infected with human immunodeficiencyv irus (HIV). The development of infection with B. henselae in HIV-infected individuals has been associated with traumatic contact with cats (scratches or bites), and domestic cats have been identified as a major reservoir for this organism. Specific information regarding the transmission of B. henselae to humans is not yet available, but common-sense precautions that minimize exposure to cat-associated organisms are appropriate. Preliminary accounts suggest that B. quintana infections are more common than B. henselae infections among HIV-infected individuals in San Francisco. The source of infection with B. quintana and the mechanism of its transmission remain unknown.
Comments
Published in CID 1995;21( Suppl1 )