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Published on: February 6, 2018
Identification of Novel Zoonotic Activity of Bartonella spp., France
Abstract:
Certain Bartonella species are known to cause afebrile bacteremia in humans and other mammals, including B. quintana, the agent of trench fever, and B. henselae, the agent of cat scratch disease. Reports have indicated that animal-associated Bartonella species may cause paucisymptomatic bacteremia and endocarditis in humans. We identified potentially zoonotic strains from 6 Bartonella species in samples from patients who had chronic, subjective symptoms and who reported tick bites. Three strains were B. henselae and 3 were from other animal-associated Bartonella spp. (B. doshiae, B. schoenbuchensis, and B. tribocorum). Genomic analysis of the isolated strains revealed differences from previously sequenced Bartonella strains. Our investigation identifed 3 novel Bartonella spp. strains with human pathogenic potential and showed that Bartonella spp. may be the cause of undifferentiated chronic illness in humans who have been bitten by ticks.
Insights
Certain Bartonella species, including Bartonella henselae, can cause chronic illness in humans after tick bites. This study identified novel Bartonella strains with potential human pathogenic effects, suggesting a link to undiagnosed chronic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Medical microbiology
- Zoonotic diseases
- Genomics
Background:
- Certain Bartonella species, such as Bartonella quintana and Bartonella henselae, are known pathogens causing diseases like trench fever and cat scratch disease.
- Animal-associated Bartonella species have been implicated in causing asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic bacteremia and endocarditis in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize Bartonella species in patients with chronic symptoms and a history of tick bites.
- To investigate the potential zoonotic nature and pathogenic capacity of novel Bartonella strains.
Main Methods:
- Sample collection from patients with chronic, subjective symptoms and reported tick bites.
- Isolation and identification of Bartonella species.
- Genomic analysis of isolated Bartonella strains.
Main Results:
- Potentially zoonotic Bartonella strains from 6 species were identified in patient samples.
- Three strains were identified as Bartonella henselae, and three were from other animal-associated Bartonella species (B. doshiae, B. schoenbuchensis, and B. tribocorum).
- Genomic analysis revealed novel Bartonella strains with distinct genetic profiles, suggesting human pathogenic potential.
Conclusions:
- Bartonella species, including novel strains, may be a cause of undifferentiated chronic illness in individuals with a history of tick bites.
- This research highlights the importance of considering Bartonella infections in the differential diagnosis of chronic unexplained illnesses.
- Further research is warranted to fully understand the pathogenicity and clinical significance of these identified Bartonella strains.
