Bartonella (formerly Rochalimaea) henselae has become firmly established as the primary etiologic agent for cat scratch disease (CSD).
There is some cross-reactivity between the IgG classes of B. henselae and B. quintana.
Immediately following collection, thoroughly mix sample by gently inverting 5 times
Gold serum separator (SST) tube
Ambient (preferred) - 14 days
Refrigerated - 14 days
Frozen - 14 days
Freeze/thaw cycles - stable x3
Indirect fluorescent antibodies (IFA)
B. henselae IgG: Neg: <1:320
B. henselae IgM: Neg: <1:100
B. quintana IgG: Neg: <1:320
B. quintana IgM: Neg: <1:100
Bartonella quintana, known for some time as a cause of trench fever, is also associated with CSD and bacillary angiomatosis (BA). Both diseases frequently affect immunocompromised patients, particularly those infected with HIV-1. Although CSD is generally a self-limiting disease, it can be life-threatening.