10 Bartonella Symptoms

By leslie

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. ’Bartonellosis.’ Columbia University Irving Medical Center. https://www.columbia-lyme.org/bartonellosis
• 2. ’Lyme Disease Co-infection: Bartonella.’ Lyme Disease Organization. https://www.lymedisease.org/lyme-basics/co-infections/bartonella
• 3. ’Bartonella Infection in Cat Scratch Disease, Trench Fever, and Carrion’s Disease.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/bartonella/symptoms/index.html
• 4. Cheslok M; Embers M. ‘Human Bartonellosis: An Unprecedented Public Health Problem?’ National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6630881
• 5. Akram S; Anwar M; Thandra MK; Rawla P. ‘Bacillary Angiomatosis’ National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448092

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Bartonella bacteria are found around the globe. Over 20 different Bartonella species have been identified, some of which cause diseases in humans. Bartonellosis is a group of diseases that include cat scratch fever, trench fever and Carrion's disease. The bacteria are transmitted by multiple vectors, including fleas, ticks and used needles.

Bartonella are parasites that live in red blood cells and the endothelial cells that line blood vessels. They also invade macrophages, the white blood cells that clear up debris at infection sites. Doctors once thought Bartonella cause only mild-to-moderate illnesses, but more severe diseases may be associated with these bacteria.¹’Bartonellosis.’ Columbia University Irving Medical Center. https://www.columbia-lyme.org/bartonellosis

Bartonellosis Symptoms in Humans

The illness is typically mild and may resolve on its own, though it may cause chronic infections. Mothers may transmit the bacteria to their babies.¹’Bartonellosis.’ Columbia University Irving Medical Center. https://www.columbia-lyme.org/bartonellosis Bartonellosis symptoms include fever, fatigue and headache along with poor appetite. Swollen glands appear, especially around the arms, neck and head. An unusual rash with red streaky marks may be present.

Symptoms of advanced bartonellosis may include neurological symptoms or psychiatric signs. Bartonellosis may accompany Lyme disease as a co-infection.²’Lyme Disease Co-infection: Bartonella.’ Lyme Disease Organization. https://www.lymedisease.org/lyme-basics/co-infections/bartonella Bartonellosis can be completely asymptomatic, while the majority of cases are mild and self limited. Severe cases can affect multiple organs.