Bartonella

Bartonella is a type of bacteria which up to 40% of apparently healthy cats may harbor in their bloodstream. There are five species of this bacteriathese bacteria with Bartonella henselae being the most common offender. Cats can become infected with bartonella after having fleas or ticks. The cat scratches itself and then collects infected flea dirt under its claws. If the cat then scratches another cat or a person the bacteria can be transmitted. In other cases cats may harbor the bacteria in their mouth and spread infection via bites although this type of transmission is much less common...

There is some controversy regarding whether or not infected cats actually suffer negative effects from Bartonella infection. Most clinicians agree, however, that there is increasing evidence that bartonella may in fact be linked to a multitude of inflammatory conditions in this species. These conditions include plasma cell stomatitis, a severe inflammation and infection of the mouth, upper respiratory disease or chronic sinus infections, diseases of the eyes such as conjunctivitis, chronic gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea, pancreatitis, skin diseasedermatitis, and fever of unknown origin. The bacteria has the ability to adhere to and penetrate red blood cells of capillary walls inciting an inflammatory reaction. Capillaries are found all throughout the body thus the long list of potential sites of infection.

Bartonella is not only a problem for cats, but for people as well. It is the organism responsible for Cat Scratch Disease. If a person is scratched or bitten by a Bartonella positive cat he or she is at risk for becoming ill as well. Lymph nodes that drain the injury site may become enlarged and may abscess resulting in pain, high fever, and malaise. In rare cases infection can lead to internal organ involvement and involve neurological complications. . Each year more than 22,000 cases of human infection occur with about 2,000 requiring hospitalization. Persons with compromised or immature immune systems are of course at highest risk. Any time a person is bitten or badly scratched by a cat (or any animal) it is strongly urged that the wound be cleansed and a physician is consulted.

In order to test cats for bartonella a small blood sample is required. Should your cat test positive for infection, treatment consists of a 2-3 week course of Azithromycin. In addition to antibiotic treatment rigorous flea control measures should be instituted so as to avoid your cat becoming re-infected. At this time it is not recommended to treat other cats in the same household who do not test reat positive for the infection.

Your pet's health is a top priority at Rutherford Animal Hospital. If you have any questions or concerns about Bartonellosis or anything else please feel free to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors and we will be happy to talk with you.