Neurobartonelloses: emerging from obscurity!

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Bartonella species are intracellular bacteria causing diverse human pathologies, often transmitted via vectors or bodily fluids.
• Increasing reports link Bartonella infections to neurological conditions, even without known animal or vector contact.
• Various Bartonella species are associated with central and peripheral nervous system disorders, including neuroretinitis, encephalitis, and neuropathies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize recent literature on neurological manifestations of Bartonella infections.
• To highlight the expanding spectrum of neurobartonelloses and associated Bartonella species.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science.
• The search focused on peer-reviewed case reports published after 2012, detailing Bartonella and neurological conditions.
• Inclusion required published diagnostic evidence (serology, molecular, pathology) or strong clinical and epidemiological data.

Main Results:

• Neurobartonelloses encompass a wide range of conditions, including neuralgic amyotrophy, complex regional pain syndrome, neuropathy, cranial nerve paralysis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
• Central nervous system involvement includes neuroretinitis, encephalitis/encephalopathy, and cerebral vasculitis/aneurysm.
• Molecular diagnostics reveal higher Bartonella prevalence in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia.

Conclusions:

• The spectrum of clinical syndromes linked to Bartonella species is continually broadening.
• Enhanced clinical recognition of Bartonella as a zoonotic pathogen is essential for advancing integrated One Health approaches.
• Further research and awareness are needed to address the growing impact of Bartonella on neurological health.