Bartonella bacteria are increasingly recognized as an emerging infectious disease threat. A new study by North Carolina State University researchers has found additional instances of Bartonella infection in humans who exhibited neuropsychiatric symptoms, a subset of whom also had skin lesions. This research adds to the body of evidence that not only can Bartonella infection mimic a spectrum of chronic illnesses including mental illness but also that dermatological symptoms may accompany infection.
Bartonella henselae is a bacterium historically associated with cat-scratch disease, which until recently was thought to be a short-lived (or self-limiting) infection. There are at least 30 different known Bartonella species, of which 13 have been found to infect humans. Improved methods for detecting Bartonella infection in animals and humans it is notorious for hiding in the linings of blood vessels and potentially the skin has led to the diagnosis of bartonelloses in patients with a host of chronic illnesses.
In 2019, Dr. Edward Breitschwerdt, Melanie S. Steele Distinguished Professor of Internal Medicine at NCState, published a case study involving an adolescent boy diagnosed with rapid onset schizophrenia, who had accompanying skin lesions. After Breitschwerdts research group documented Bartonella henselae infection, the patient received antimicrobial therapy and all neuropsychiatric symptoms resolved.
The new study is a follow-up to the 2019 work and is published in the journal Pathogens. Thirty-three participants suffering from neuropsychiatric symptoms ranging from sleep disorders and migraines to depression and anxiety enrolled in the study. Twenty-nine of 33 participants were found to have Bartonella infections based upon serology and enrichment blood culture polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Twenty-four of the 29 Bartonella-positive participants (83%) reported the appearance of skin lesions during their illness.
Skin lesions ranged from cutaneous eruptions to red, irregular linear lesions randomly located on various parts of the patients body. Many of these lesions resembled striae distensae (stretch marks); however, typical risk factors for striae distensae, such as body building activities, obesity, pregnancy, prednisone treatment and other known disease associations, were either infrequently or not reported by study participants.
This research, a follow-up to our initial case report of Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), was initiated to further investigate a possible association between neuropsychiatric illness, skin lesions and a bacterial infection of emerging biomedical importance, Breitschwerdt says. We hope that this research will enable physicians to suspect connections between disparate symptoms involving the nervous system and skin that could be associated with an underlying bacterial cause.
Breitschwerdt is the first and corresponding author of the research, which was supported by the Bartonella/Vector-Borne Diseases Research Fund at NCStates College of Veterinary Medicine. NCState research technician Julie Bradley, postdoctoral researcher Erin Lashnits, and research professor Ricardo Maggi, as well as dermatologist Paul Reicherter of the University of Missouri Kansas City Truman Medical Center, contributed to the work.
-peake-
Note to editors: An abstract follows.
Bartonella Associated Cutaneous Lesions (BACL) in People with Neuropsychiatric Symptoms
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121023
Authors: Ed Breitschwerdt, Julie Bradley, Ricardo Maggi, Erin Lashnits, North Carolina State University; Paul Reicherter, University of Missouri Kansas CityPublished: Online Dec. 7, 2020 in Pathogens
Abstract:Bartonella species are globally important emerging pathogens that were not known to infect animals or humans in North America prior to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. Ongoing improvements in diagnostic testing modalities have allowed for the discovery of Bartonella species (spp.) DNA in blood; cerebrospinal fluid; and the skin of patients with cutaneous lesions, fatigue, myalgia, and neurological symptoms. We describe Bartonella spp. test results for participants reporting neuropsychiatric symptoms, the majority of whom reported the concurrent development of cutaneous lesions. Study participants completed a medical history, a risk factor questionnaire, and provided cutaneous lesion photographs. Bartonella spp. serology and Bartonella alpha proteobacteria enrichment blood culture/PCR were assessed. Within a 14-month period, 33 participants enrolled; 29/33 had serological and/or PCR evidence supporting Bartonella spp. infection, of whom 24 reported concurrent cutaneous lesions since neuropsychiatric symptom onset. We conclude that cutaneous lesions were common among people reporting neuropsychiatric symptoms and Bartonella spp. infection or exposure. Additional studies, using sensitive microbiological and imaging techniques, are needed to determine if, or to what extent, Bartonella spp. might contribute to cutaneous lesions and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients.
See more here:
Study: Bartonella Infection Associated With Psychiatric Symptoms and Skin Lesions - NC State News
- Morehead State Veterinary Technology program ranked 13th in nation, #1 in state - Morehead State University News - April 25th, 2024
- veterinary medicine summary | Britannica - April 25th, 2024
- Veterinary Viewpoints: Severe weather and pets - Oklahoma State University - April 25th, 2024
- Clinic center: New hospitals opening across the nation - DVM 360 - April 25th, 2024
- Cancer test launches within US and European veterinary clinics - DVM 360 - April 25th, 2024
- Tracking tool is launched on the first parvovirus awareness day - DVM 360 - April 25th, 2024
- CFMV highlights the urgency of regulating air and road transport of animals - Aeroflap - April 25th, 2024
- Business Memoranda: 04/24/2024 | the BIZ | record-eagle.com - Traverse City Record Eagle - April 25th, 2024
- Wrap up: Animal health company responds to safety concerns over OA drug, and other veterinary news - DVM 360 - April 25th, 2024
- Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Teams-up with Lafayette School Corporation through The League of ... - Purdue University - April 16th, 2024
- ImpriMed to Showcase Groundbreaking AI Research and Applications at Symposium on Artificial Intelligence in ... - Business Wire - April 16th, 2024
- The hardest job in a hospital (according to a veterinarian) - DVM 360 - April 16th, 2024
- Dangers Of Humans Taking Animal Drugs And Vice Versa - Forbes - April 16th, 2024
- Dyer honored at commissioners meeting - The Tribune | The Tribune - Ironton Tribune - April 16th, 2024
- LSU Vet Med releases male bald eagle that was hit by car in October - WGNO New Orleans - April 16th, 2024
- What Killed Their Pets? Owners Blame Meds, but Vets Aren't Sure - The Wall Street Journal - April 16th, 2024
- 10 best practices to steward a healthy relationship with your veterinarian - Ag Proud - April 16th, 2024
- PVM Faculty Promotions Approved by Purdue University Board of Trustees - Purdue University - April 16th, 2024
- Paws Up - brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee - Purdue University - April 16th, 2024
- States begin to restrict cattle imports from those with influenza cases - American Veterinary Medical Association - April 16th, 2024
- What does a veterinarian do? - CareerExplorer - March 29th, 2024
- Veterinary Medicine Overview - CareerExplorer - March 29th, 2024
- Cats with MDR1 mutation at risk of severe reactions to popular medication - WSU News - March 29th, 2024
- Animal chaplains offer spiritual care for every species - The Associated Press - March 29th, 2024
- Loki's Leap: The Golden Retriever who overcame the odds with groundbreaking care - Virginia Tech - March 29th, 2024
- 6 in 10 pet owners surveyed in the UK, Austria and Denmark believe their pets should have access to the same healthcare treatment options as humans -... - March 29th, 2024
- Protecting Puppies From Parvovirus - Texas A&M Today - Texas A&M University Today - March 29th, 2024
- Veterinary Medicine in the Digital Age - Boehringer Ingelheim - March 29th, 2024
- Veterinary surgeon: Spare flat-faced pets the respiratory distress - Phys.org - March 29th, 2024
- AMC expands offerings with enhanced surgical suite - American Veterinary Medical Association - March 29th, 2024
- A soul killer: whats behind the USs critical veterinarian shortage? - The Guardian - February 27th, 2024
- Sneak peek: Humane Society International and Ukrainian Red Cross has helped over 100,000 pets in Ukraine, and ... - DVM 360 - February 27th, 2024
- Most veterinarians are women, but they still face sexism in rural areas where theyre most needed - IPM Newsroom - February 27th, 2024
- SA Gets its Largest CT Scanner for Veterinary Practice and Studies - Good Things Guy - February 27th, 2024
- Inside the Lab Part 2: How DNA researchers are helping crack animal cruelty cases - FOX 35 Orlando - February 27th, 2024
- This University Is Set To Become Just The Second HBCU In The Country To Train Veterinarians - Essence - February 27th, 2024
- USDA offers Grants for veterinarians in designated areas of Virginia - Yahoo News - February 10th, 2024
- Curing Pets With Cannabis as Veterinarians Try CBD and THC - The New York Times - February 10th, 2024
- New emergency vet clinic in Northern Liberties lets owners stay with pet - NBC 10 Philadelphia - February 10th, 2024
- The interview - DVM 360 - February 10th, 2024
- Veterinarians, State Ag Directors Champion Rural Veterinary Workforce Act - DTN The Progressive Farmer - February 10th, 2024
- USDA offers Grants for veterinarians in designated areas of Virginia - WFXRtv.com - February 10th, 2024
- Rural Veterinarians Headed to DC for AVMA Legislative Fly-In - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST - AGInfo Ag Information Network - February 10th, 2024
- MJ Wixsom: Emotional blackmail against veterinarians - The Tribune | The Tribune - Ironton Tribune - February 10th, 2024
- NAVC honors 2023 Speakers of the Year - DVM 360 - January 25th, 2024
- Steve Adubato speaks with the dean of Rowan University's first School of Veterinary Medicine - ROI-NJ.com - January 25th, 2024
- Texas A&M Veterinary Clinical Trial Gives Tabby Cat With Chronic Kidney Disease A Second Chance At Life - Texas A&M University Today - January 25th, 2024
- 4th generation takes the reins as Albany veterinary hospital celebrates 90 years of service - OregonLive - January 25th, 2024
- Synovial extramedullary hematopoiesis in a dog in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association - Ahead of ... - American Veterinary Medical... - January 25th, 2024
- Xanthogranulomatous keratitis in a mixed-breed dog in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association ... - American Veterinary Medical... - January 25th, 2024
- C-reactive protein concentration has limited value in the diagnosis of meningoencephalitis of unknown origin in dogs - American Veterinary Medical... - January 25th, 2024
- Veterinary profession heading in right direction with mental health - American Veterinary Medical Association - January 25th, 2024
- Veterinarian shortage in Yakima Valley can make it harder to find animal care - Yakima Herald-Republic - January 25th, 2024
- Winter conference explores the future of veterinary medicine industry - foxrochester.com - January 25th, 2024
- Learning outside the curriculum: experiences matter in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association ... - American Veterinary Medical... - January 25th, 2024
- AI tops the new pet health standards for 2024 - KEVN - January 25th, 2024
- Flea, Tick, And Heartworm Products Global Market Report 2024: Evolving Veterinary Medicine Drives Innovation in Pet ... - PR Newswire - January 25th, 2024
- Dogs' Favorite TV Revealed By Vets - Vision - Newsweek - January 25th, 2024
- Knowing what dogs like to watch could help veterinarians assess their vision - University of Wisconsin-Madison - January 25th, 2024
- VMX 2024 Showcased Groundbreaking Innovations in Veterinary Medicine to Provide the Best Care for Pets Around ... - aNb Media - January 25th, 2024
- The 5 Best Dog Toothpastes of 2024, With Advice From Vets - Business Insider - January 25th, 2024
- Vet Hardy Joins HISA's Advisory Group - The Pressbox - January 25th, 2024
- Much-needed veterinarian facility will soon be available in Meadowview - Bristol Herald Courier - January 25th, 2024
- Counterfeit veterinary drug factory unearthed - The Express Tribune - January 25th, 2024
- 7 horses died in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby. What is being done to prevent deaths and injuries? - PBS NewsHour - May 9th, 2023
- A Career in Veterinary Medicine - AAVMC - February 24th, 2023
- Building the next generation of veterinary professionals (FCL Feb. 22, 2023) - FirstCoastNews.com WTLV-WJXX - February 24th, 2023
- Veterinary Hospital | School of Veterinary Medicine - September 20th, 2022
- AAFP, EveryCat release guidelines on diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis - American Veterinary Medical Association - September 20th, 2022
- Don't Fall Behind on Your Continuing Education this Autumn! - DVM 360 - September 20th, 2022
- Using Acupuncture to Pinpoint The Source Of A Horse's Problem - Lancaster Farming - September 20th, 2022
- Stalking Allegations Against Retired Oregon City Veterinarian Lead to $245,000 Lawsuit - Willamette Week - September 20th, 2022
- TheraVet Announces Its Participation in the 2022 ESVOT Congress With 3 Scientific Communications - Yahoo Finance - September 20th, 2022
- Senate committee sets nomination hearing for top food safety official - Food Safety News - September 20th, 2022
- Helping osteoarthritic cats live their best lives - DVM 360 - September 20th, 2022
- Research shows what is driving shelter overpopulation - Vet Candy - September 20th, 2022
- Undergrad publishes theory on immune dysfunction in space | Cornell Chronicle - Cornell Chronicle - September 20th, 2022
- Tuskegee University is named HBCU Institutional Leader by Fulbright Program - Tuskegee University - September 20th, 2022
- New understanding of 'superantigens' could lead to improved staph infection treatments - University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine - July 25th, 2022
- NC State commits multiple Animal Welfare Act violations, animals suffering and dying - N.C. State University Technician Online - July 25th, 2022