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Bartonella quintana associated neuroretinitis
Joel G George1, Jay C Bradley, Robert C Kimbrough
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA. jgg4ttu@cox.net
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|February 2, 2006
Summary
Bartonella quintana infection caused neuroretinitis in a patient. Treatment led to the resolution of both the infection and the eye condition, confirming the link.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Neuroretinitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the optic nerve and retina.
- Bartonella species are known to cause various human infections, including cat-scratch disease.
- Bartonella quintana is a bacterium transmitted by body lice, causing trench fever and other conditions.
Observation:
- An observational case study of a patient presenting with neuroretinitis.
- The patient exhibited a positive IgM indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) titer for Bartonella quintana early in the disease course.
- Clinical symptoms and serological markers were monitored throughout the patient's illness.
Findings:
- The patient's neuroretinitis and IgM IFA titer for Bartonella quintana resolved after appropriate treatment.
- The clinical presentation, serological results, and treatment response strongly suggest a causal link.
- This case supports Bartonella quintana as a potential cause of neuroretinitis.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering Bartonella quintana in the differential diagnosis of neuroretinitis, especially in patients with relevant exposure history.
- Suggests that early diagnosis and treatment of Bartonella quintana infection can lead to favorable outcomes in neuroretinitis.
- Warrants further investigation into the prevalence and pathogenesis of Bartonella quintana-associated neuroretinitis.