Rochalimaea henselae

Rochalimaea henselae is a bacterium that is the causative agent of Cat Scratch Disease, a condition that manifests primarily as fever, lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes), and in severe cases, can lead to more significant complications such as bacillary angiomatosis, peliosis hepatis, and endocarditis. This bacterium is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped organism, which was reclassified in the 1990s as Bartonella henselae following advancements in DNA sequencing technologies that allowed for more accurate bacterial identification and classification.

Transmission

Rochalimaea henselae is primarily transmitted to humans through scratches, bites, or licks from infected cats, making it a zoonotic disease. The bacterium can reside in the saliva of cats without causing them any apparent illness, making them asymptomatic carriers. Fleas are believed to play a role in the transmission cycle by transferring the bacterium between cats. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of Cat Scratch Disease typically develop within 1-2 weeks after exposure and can include a mild infection at the site of the scratch or bite, fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes near the site of the initial wound or bite. In more severe cases, the infection can spread to the liver, spleen, or heart, leading to more serious conditions mentioned earlier.

Diagnosis of Rochalimaea henselae infection is primarily based on the patient's history of cat exposure and clinical presentation. Serological tests, which detect antibodies to Bartonella henselae, and PCR testing of tissue samples can confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for Cat Scratch Disease typically involves supportive care to relieve symptoms. In cases where the infection is more severe or the patient is immunocompromised, antibiotics such as azithromycin, doxycycline, or erythromycin may be prescribed to combat the infection.

Prevention

Preventive measures include avoiding rough play with cats to minimize scratches and bites, washing any cat scratches or bites immediately with soap and water, and controlling flea infestations in pets to reduce the likelihood of transmission.

See Also

• Bartonellosis
• Zoonotic diseases
• Lymphadenopathy