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Cat scratch disease (bartonellosis) mimicking an SLE flare
M Gaubitz1, M Herrmann, M Shahin
1Department of Medicine, University of Münster, Germany. gaubitz@uni-muenster.de
Lupus
|January 15, 2002
Summary
Bartonella henselae causes cat scratch disease (CSD), an emerging infection. A systemic lupus erythematosus patient with persistent fever improved rapidly after CSD diagnosis and clarithromycin treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bartonella species are increasingly recognized as significant human pathogens.
- Cat scratch disease (CSD), caused by Bartonella henselae, is a growing global health concern.
Observation:
- An 18-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presented with refractory fever, arthralgias, and weight loss.
- Symptoms persisted despite escalating corticosteroid therapy, prompting a search for alternative diagnoses.
Findings:
- Suspicion of CSD arose from the patient's cat and scratch marks, leading to serological confirmation.
- Clarithromycin treatment resulted in a rapid decrease in fever within 48 hours.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering CSD in immunocompromised patients presenting with unexplained febrile illnesses.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy, such as clarithromycin, are crucial for effective management of CSD.