Bartonella elizabethae

A species of bacteria associated with human disease

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Bartonella elizabethae
Kingdom:
Phylum:	Proteobacteria
Class:	Alphaproteobacteria
Order:	Rhizobiales
Family:	Bartonellaceae

Bartonella elizabethae is a species of bacteria within the genus Bartonella. It is a Gram-negative bacterium that is known to be a human pathogen. B. elizabethae is one of several species of Bartonella that can cause bartonellosis, a disease that can manifest in various forms depending on the species involved and the host's immune status.

Discovery and Classification

Bartonella elizabethae was first isolated and described in 1993 by Daly et al. It was named in honor of Elizabeth O. King, a prominent microbiologist known for her work on the genus Bartonella and other pathogenic bacteria.

Morphology and Physiology

Bartonella elizabethae is a small, rod-shaped bacterium. It is aerobic and facultatively intracellular, meaning it can survive both inside and outside host cells. Like other members of the genus Bartonella, it is fastidious, requiring enriched media for growth in laboratory conditions.

Pathogenicity

Bartonella elizabethae is primarily associated with endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. It has been isolated from patients with culture-negative endocarditis, where traditional blood cultures fail to identify the causative organism. The bacterium is transmitted to humans through vectors such as fleas and possibly other arthropods.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of Bartonella elizabethae infection can be challenging due to its fastidious nature. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serological tests are commonly used to detect the presence of the bacterium. Treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics such as doxycycline and rifampin, although the choice of antibiotics may vary depending on the clinical presentation and patient factors.

Epidemiology

Bartonella elizabethae has been identified in various regions worldwide, although it is considered a rare cause of human disease. Its prevalence and distribution are not as well-documented as other Bartonella species, such as Bartonella henselae, the causative agent of cat scratch disease.

Research and Future Directions

Ongoing research aims to better understand the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of Bartonella elizabethae infections. Improved diagnostic methods and a deeper understanding of its transmission dynamics are critical for managing and preventing infections.

Also see

• Bartonella henselae
• Bartonella bacilliformis
• Endocarditis
• Bartonellosis