Bartonella: A Lyme Disease Co-infection

Bartonella results in a disease called Bartonellosis

Bartonella are bacteria that live primarily inside the lining of the blood vessels. They can infect humans, mammals and a wide range of wild animals. The disease that results is called bartonellosis.

Bartonella henselae causes an important emerging infection that was first reported in 1990. It is mainly carried by cats and causes cat-scratch disease, endocarditis, and several other serious diseases in humans.

Transmission Of The Bartonella Bacteria

The bacteria is known to be carried by fleas, body lice and ticks, and there’s high suspicion that ticks transmit it to humans. People with tick bites and no known exposure to cats have acquired the disease. People who recall being bitten by ticks have been co-infected with the Lyme spirochete and bartonella. Scientists have recently established that ticks can transmit the bacteria to mice. More research needs to be done to establish the role of ticks in spreading the disease. In addition, a recent study suggests that the bacteria may be passed from mother to unborn child (perinatal transmission).

Several Species Of Bartonella

Scientists have identified several species of bartonella. Sand flies in the Andes Mountains in Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador carry one type. Human body lice worldwide carry another. European sheep ticks carry the bacteria and scientists have detected five different Bartonella strains in 19.2% of Ixodes pacificus ticks collected in California.

Bartonellosis Symptoms

Historically, bartonellosis has been described as a mild, acute, and self-limiting illness. However, more and more doctors recognize that bartonella can cause chronic infection. Patients may suffer relapses because the bacteria periodically cycles into red blood cells, which may provide a protective niche.

Early signs of bartonellosis include fever, fatigue, headache, poor appetite, and an unusual streaked rash that resembles “stretch marks” from pregnancy. Swollen glands are typical, especially around the head, neck and arms. Patients with bartonelliosis report more neurological symptoms and are more likely to have visited a neurologist than members of the general population. Some common symptoms include blurred vision, numbness in the extremities, memory loss, balance problems, headaches, ataxia (unsteady gait), and tremors. Bartonellosis also sometimes triggers psychiatric manifestations.

Bartonellosis Diagnosis and Treatment

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and tissue biopsy can be used. However they are also insensitive, as are standard blood tests. Dr. Ed Breitschwerdt, a professor of Veterinary Science at North Carolina State University who has studied bartonellosis extensively, notes that tests for the bacteria may be negative one time and positive another.

Fluoroquinolones and doxycycline are sometimes successful in treating bartonellosis. However, some doctors report the need to use several antibiotics in combination.