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Bartonellosis


About this topic


Bartonellosis is caused by germs that get into the skin. The germs can cause a rash or blisters on the skin. The germs can cause lymph nodes to become bigger. You may have body aches and joint aches, or fever. Some types of bartonellosis can attack red blood cells. Other types of bartonellosis can cause heart or brain problems. ‚  


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What are the causes?


Bartonellosis is caused by several kinds of the Bartonella germ. You can get this from scratches from cats or kittens. You can also get this from a bite from fleas, lice, or sand flies. ‚  

What are the main signs?


The main signs of bartonellosis are: ‚  
  • Fever and chills
  • Flu-like signs including feeling tired, headache, loss of appetite, body aches, or joint pain
  • Lymph nodes that get bigger
  • Sweating
  • Small blister on the skin that may get bigger and have fluid inside
  • Change in mental status
  • Low red blood cell count
  • If the liver or spleen is involved, it may be bigger than normal
  • Groups of skin bumps that grow and bleed

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Your doctor will look at your skin. Your doctor may feel your armpits, groin, neck, or belly for lumps and any enlarged organs. Your doctor may order tests to check for this germ. You may need: ‚  
  • Blood tests
  • Fluid culture from the pus in the wound
  • CT scan of your chest or abdomen
  • Echocardiography
  • Lymph node biopsy ¢ ˆ ’ Your doctor will put a needle into your armpit, neck, or groin to get a sample tissue of your lymph node.

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


Your doctor will treat your condition by giving you drugs. You may have to take some drugs for a few weeks or months to get complete treatment. You may need physical therapy if your joints and muscles are badly affected. You may need a blood transfusion if your red blood cell count is very low. In very rare cases, you may need to have surgery to fix internal organs that are affected by this germ. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Fight an infection
  • Lower fever
  • Help with pain

Will there be any other care needed?


  • Talk to your doctor about how to care for your wounds.
  • Wash your hands before and after touching your wound.
  • If you had surgery, you will get more information about how to take care of yourself when you go home.

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


Protect yourself: ‚  
  • Take extra care around cats and kittens.
    • Do not play with cats that are sick.
    • If a cat bites, scratches, or licks you, wash the area with soap and water.
  • Apply or spray repellent on your skin when outdoors.
  • Wear clothes that will cover your arms and legs.
  • Place wire screens in your windows and doors to keep flies from going in.
  • Sleep under a net and avoid being outdoors in the early morning and at dusk. This is when sand flies are most active. Sand flies are found in the Andes Mountains.

Where can I learn more?


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/bartonella-associated-infections.htm ‚  
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚  
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/123/viewAbstract ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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