Bartonella sp. bacteremia in patients with neurological and neurocognitive dysfunction

J Clin Microbiol. 2008 Sep;46(9):2856-61. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00832-08. Epub 2008 Jul 16.

Abstract

We detected infection with a Bartonella species (B. henselae or B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii) in blood samples from six immunocompetent patients who presented with a chronic neurological or neurocognitive syndrome including seizures, ataxia, memory loss, and/or tremors. Each of these patients had substantial animal contact or recent arthropod exposure as a potential risk factor for Bartonella infection. Additional studies should be performed to clarify the potential role of Bartonella spp. as a cause of chronic neurological and neurocognitive dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bartonella Infections / microbiology*
  • Bartonella henselae
  • Bartonella*
  • Cognition Disorders / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nervous System Diseases / microbiology*
  • Young Adult