Bartonella bovis - Microscopic exam and molecular diagnostics (PCR)

 

Bartonella bovis is a Gram - negative bacteria as baciilo Bartonella genus, family Bartonellaceae, with a worldwide distribution. Bartonella bovis mainly affects cattle, although the strain is detected in a wide range of domestic and wild mammals. In cattle, it has identified Bartonella bovis to cause endocarditis. Currently, they described at least 20 species or subspecies of Bartonella, most of which are zoonotic agents. Of these 20 species or subspecies, at least 8 infect humans.

The life cycle of this organism involves an intermediate host where mature, usually arthropods insect vectors such as flies, fleas, lice, mosquitoes and infected ticks, which transmit the infection during their feeding. In addition to transmission by insect vectors, the disease can be transmitted through bites or scratches from dogs, cats and infected rodents. After infection, Bartonella bovis colonizes endothelial cells. Every five days, a portion of the population of Bartonella bovis endothelial cells into the bloodstream, where infect released erythrocytes . It is when bacteria invade and divide within the phagosome in erythrocytes. Subsequently, the bacteria multiply inside the erythrocytes until they reach a critical population. At this point, Bartonella bovis will be ingested by arthropods suck these erythrocytes.

In humans, the disease manifestations induced Bartonella may include fever, endocarditis, lymphadenopathy, granulomatous hepatitis, encephalitis, bacillary angiomatosis, peliosis hepatis and. In immunocompromised individuals, such as people with HIV / AIDS, many species of Bartonella are associated with tumor processes affecting blood vessels.

In animals, Bartonella infection bovis generally does not induce apparent signs of disease. However, when a Bartonella species is transmitted from a common host to an unusual host for cat scratch, animal bite or an arthropod vector, infection may induce a broad spectrum of clinical and pathologic abnormalities.

Recommended tests for diagnosis:

 

The diagnosis is based on molecular diagnostic methods (PCR).

Tests in IVAMI:

 

  • Molecular diagnosis (PCR), to detect DNA of Bartonella bovis.

Recommended sample:

 

  • Whole blood collected with EDTA (2 to 5 mL).

Preservation and shipment of sample:

 

  • Refrigerated (preferred) for less than 2 days.
  • Frozen: over 2 days.

 

Delivery term:

 

  • Molecular diagnosis (PCR): 24 to 48 hours.

Cost of the test:

 

Consult ivami@ivami.com