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Cat scratch disease presenting as orbital abscess and osteomyelitis
Beloo Mirakhur1, Samir S Shah, Adam J Ratner
1Divisions of General Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Scheie Eye Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|August 9, 2003
Summary
Cat scratch disease rarely affects the eyes. Diagnosis of this Bartonella henselae infection was confirmed by detecting its DNA in an orbital abscess, revealing hepatosplenic disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Ocular manifestations of cat scratch disease are infrequent, with diagnosis typically relying on serological Bartonella henselae antibody titers.
- Cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection commonly transmitted by cats, often presenting with lymphadenopathy.
Observation:
- A pediatric case presented with concurrent orbital abscess and osteomyelitis.
- The patient's clinical presentation suggested a severe form of cat scratch disease.
Findings:
- Bartonella henselae DNA was successfully detected in the orbital abscess fluid.
- This molecular detection confirmed the diagnosis of hepatosplenic cat scratch disease in the affected child.
Implications:
- Direct detection of Bartonella henselae DNA in abscess fluid offers a rapid diagnostic alternative.
- This case highlights the importance of considering unusual presentations of cat scratch disease in pediatric orbital infections.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management of severe Bartonella henselae infections.