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Bartonella neuroretinitis (cat-scratch disease)
Siew Mei Yap1, Mamoun Saeed2, Patricia Logan3
1Department of Neurology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland siewmeiy@gmail.com.
Abstract:
We report a patient with cat-scratch disease presenting with meningitis and neuroretinitis. This condition, caused by Bartonella henselae, has a worldwide distribution and is among the most common infective causes of neuroretinitis. Bartonella neuroretinitis is a rare but under-recognised mimic of optic neuritis; it should be suspected in a patient with an infective prodrome whose fundus shows optic disc oedema and a macular star. A low-positive initial serological test for Bartonella henselae does not exclude cat-scratch disease if there is high clinical suspicion, and repeat testing is recommended to look for titre rise.
Insights
Cat-scratch disease, caused by Bartonella henselae, can lead to meningitis and neuroretinitis. High clinical suspicion is key, even with initial low-positive serology, as repeat testing may confirm the diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Cat-scratch disease is caused by Bartonella henselae, a bacterium with worldwide distribution.
- Neuroretinitis is a recognized complication of Bartonella henselae infection.
- Bartonella neuroretinitis can mimic optic neuritis, presenting with optic disc edema and macular star.
