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Disciforme keratitis caused by Bartonella henselae: an unusual ocular complication in cat scratch disease
C P Lohmann1, B Gabler, G Kroher
1Department of Ophthalmology, Regensburg University, Germany. chris.lohmann@klinik.uni-regensburg.de
Abstract:
Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a common infectious disease, however, its association with disciforme keratitis is a previously unreported ocular complication. With the use of the 16S rDNA-PCR technique with subsequent DANN sequencing on corneal material obtained by corneal scrape we were able to identify Bartonella henselae in an unusual form of disciforme keratitis.
Insights
Cat scratch disease (CSD) can cause a rare eye problem called disciform keratitis. Researchers identified Bartonella henselae bacteria as the cause using advanced DNA sequencing on corneal samples.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a common bacterial infection.
- Ocular complications of CSD are known but typically involve the anterior uvea or neuroretina.
Observation:
- A patient presented with an unusual form of disciform keratitis.
- This specific presentation had not been previously reported as an ocular complication of CSD.
Findings:
- The 16S rDNA-PCR technique was employed on corneal scrape material.
- DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of Bartonella henselae in the affected corneal tissue.
Implications:
- This study establishes a novel association between Bartonella henselae and disciform keratitis.
- The findings expand the spectrum of ocular manifestations of cat scratch disease.
- Highlights the utility of molecular techniques in diagnosing atypical infectious keratitis.