Use of Bartonella antigens for serologic diagnosis of cat-scratch disease at a national referral center

Arch Intern Med. 1995 Aug;155(15):1670-6.

Abstract

Background: Bartonella henselae (formerly the genus Rochalimaea) has recently been isolated from patients with cat-scratch disease and their cats, and since September 1992 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has offered an indirect fluorescent antibody assay for Bartonella-specific antibody.

Methods: Physicians submitted serum samples from patients suspected of having cat-scratch disease or other Bartonella-associated illness and completed a questionnaire that recorded clinical information. Indirect fluorescent antibody assay was performed with the use of antigen derived from three Bartonella species: B henselae, Bartonella quintana, and Bartonella elizabethae.

Results: During 16 months, 3088 serum samples were received. The largest numbers of specimens and the highest percentages positive (titer, > or = 64) were observed in the fall and winter. Clinical histories of the first 600 patients for whom serum samples and completed information forms were received were examined in detail; seropositivity was significantly associated with cat contact, cat age of less than 1 year, cat scratch, presence of an inoculation papule, and regional adenopathy. Of 91 patients whose illness met a strict clinical definition of cat-scratch disease, 86 (95%) had titers of 64 or greater to either B henselae or B quintana. A fourfold rise or fall in titer was observed in 87 of 132 patients with paired serum samples.

Conclusions: The indirect fluorescent antibody assay for Bartonella-specific antibody is sensitive for the diagnosis of cat-scratch disease. Redefinition of cat-scratch disease on the basis of cause and use of this assay as a diagnostic criterion is recommended.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antigens, Bacterial / blood*
  • Bartonella henselae / immunology*
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / diagnosis*
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / epidemiology*
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / immunology
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial