Study of genotypes and virB4 secretion gene of Bartonella henselae strains from patients with clinically defined cat scratch disease.

Bartonella henselae is the causative agent of cat scratch disease (CSD), which usually presents as a self-limiting lymphadenopathy. Occasionally, the bacteria will spread and be responsible for tissue and visceral involvement. Two B.

Virulent Toxoplasma gondii strain RH promotes T-cell-independent overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines IL12 and gamma-interferon.

The aim of this study was the analysis of the cytokine response in BALB/c mice infected with the highly virulent RH or the weakly virulent Beverley strains of Toxoplasma gondii. Analysis of cytokine messages showed increased expression of IL12, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, but not IL4 mRNAs in spleen cells after infection with the T. gondii strains RH and Beverley.

Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis in Belgium: an underestimated cause of disease.

Objectives: Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (HGE) is a recently discovered zoonosis and, in Europe, not always included in laboratory testing when a patient presents with a history of tick bite. The available serology results indicate that HGE should be included in the screening panel when a tick-borne disease is suspected.

Methods: Serological methods were applied; i.

Osteomyelitis caused by Bartonella henselae genotype I in an immunocompetent adult woman.

We report the first description of osteomyelitis due to Bartonella henselae genotype I in an immunocompetent middle-aged woman. The diagnosis was established by serology, histopathology, and PCR analysis of osseous and lymph node tissues. The mycobacteria growth indicator tube inoculated with the lymph node aspirate was used for PCR analysis.