We report a fatal case of bacteremic patient. He had negative serology and PCRs from whole blood and liquid culture; only nested PCR was positive from the blood liquid culture. The isolate had positive PCRs. When considered, bartonellosis diagnosis can be still challenging because of technical limitations.
Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal Campus, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Rural Zone, Jaboticabal, SP, CEP: 14884-900, Brazil. Electronic address:
Armadillos and anteaters exhibit a wide range of interactions with various pathogens and ectoparasites, which, along with their physiological and ecological characteristics, contribute to their potential as hosts for a broad variety of pathogens with zoonotic potential. However, there has been limited research into the occurrence and diversity of vector-borne agents in this group of mammals. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecular identity of Ehrlichia spp.
Introduction: Ophthalmological conditions in international travelers may be associated with low mortality but high morbidity. Eye involvement in travelers is less frequently reported than febrile, gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, but data probably represent a degree of under-notification.
Methods: an extensive narrative review of the main viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections affecting the eye in travelers was performed.
- A survey of US infectious disease specialists found that 61 reported cases of Bartonella quintana infections from 2014 to 2024.
- Key challenges in diagnosing these infections are a lack of awareness among healthcare providers, insufficient testing, and uneven access to healthcare for affected groups.
- To enhance patient outcomes, it's crucial to improve early recognition of B. quintana infections.
- Bartonella quintana can lead to serious health issues, including endocarditis and chronic infections, and is mainly spread by body lice, particularly in homeless populations.
- A case study in the U.S. highlighted two kidney transplant recipients who contracted the infection from an organ donor who was homeless; one case was atypical while the other showed mild symptoms.
- Timely detection and treatment allowed both recipients to recover, emphasizing the importance of assessing organ donors' living conditions, specifically those with a history of homelessness or lice infestations, for potential B. quintana infections in transplant recipients.
Bartonella quintana infection can cause serious health issues like bacillary angiomatosis and culture-negative endocarditis, mainly affecting individuals who are homeless.
In a study conducted in New York City between January 2020 and November 2023, five cases of left-sided, culture-negative endocarditis were identified in unsheltered homeless persons using molecular methods.
Most patients had serious complications and a history of body louse exposure, highlighting the need for clinicians to consider housing status and potential lice infestation when diagnosing and treating suspected cases.
