Introduction
Bartonellosis is a disease caused by bacteria in the genus Bartonella. When cats develop Bartonellosis as a result of Bartonella infection, this condition is known as Feline Bartonellosis or Feline Bartonella. Cats can transmit these bacteria to people through scratches and sometimes bites, and it can cause a condition in people known as cat scratch fever.
Causes of Bartonellosis
Cats can carry up to five different types of Bartonella bacteria, and the disease is transmitted between cats through fleas and ticks. Many cats carry Bartonella without showing any symptoms at all, but when cats are very young, elderly, or have a suppressed immune system they can become affected by the Bartonella bacteria.
Symptoms of Bartonellosis
Feline Bartonellosis causes a variety of symptoms to develop, and in many cases the disease is confused with immune conditions. Some of the areas of the body that can be affected by this disease include the respiratory system, digestive system, the eyes, the mouth, skin, and the lymph nodes.
Diagnosing Bartonellosis
Fortunately Feline Bartonellosis can be diagnosed through a blood test, as previous blood culture tests yielded poor or mixed diagnostic results. Antibiotic therapies using oral antibiotics for 10 to 21 days is the standard treatment for feline Bartonellosis. Supportive care may also be needed if the cat has severe symptoms.
Outlook for Cats with Bartonellosis
The outlook for Feline Bartonellosis is good, but in cases where treatment was delayed, or if the cat was severely affected by the bacteria, the outlook may be guarded. Preventative measures such as flea control and testing other cats in the household for the bacteria are needed to prevent reinfection.