Bartonella Antibody (Cat Scratch Fever) Panel

Test Code: 34251 Specimen Type: Blood

Description:

Bartonella Antibody (Cat Scratch Fever) Panel

This test measures several types of antibodies to Bartonella.  Bartonella is a family of bacteria that can cause a number of diseases in humans.  Bartonella infections are usually spread by lice, fleas, mosquitoes, or sand flies.  2 of the most common types of Bartonella are Bartonella Henselae and Bartonella Quintana.  This test looks for both IgM and IgG antibodies to B. Henselae and B. Quintana.

Bartonella Henselae is responsible for the infection commonly known as cat-scratch disease.  The disease is typically caused by a cat that has been infected with Bartonella by fleas biting or scratching a person.  It can also be spread by an infected cat licking a person's open wound or sore.  Common symptoms of B. Henselae infection include swelling around the site of the infection, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite.  While most people with cat scratch disease will recover on their own, some may develop more serious complications such as loss of eyesight, bone infections, and loss of brain function.

Bartonella Quintana is primarily transmitted by lice.  It can cause the disease commonly known as Trench Fever.  This disease was known to heavily affect soldiers during World War I and World War II.  Today, outbreaks of Bartonella Quintana are sometimes found in areas with a large homeless population.  It can also be found in places where large groups of people live in close proximity such as prisons and refugee camps.   Common symptoms include fever, headache, back pain, leg pain, and rash.  Most cases of trench fever are not serious and resolve on their own.  Some cases can cause more serious complications including heart damage.

Testing is typically done when someone has symptoms of Bartonella infection to aid in diagnosing a disease or differentiating conditions with similar symptoms.  IgM antibodies develop shortly after infection and then fade away.  The presence of IgM antibodies usually indicates a recent or acute infection.  IgG antibodies develop as IgM antibodies begin to decrease and can persist even after a person has been successfully treated.  The presence of IgG antibodies may indicate a chronic illness or previous infection.  In the event of a positive result, a confirmatory titer test will be performed at no additional charge.

Turnaround for this test is typically 4-7 business days.

Where can I find a Bartonella Antibody Panel Test near me?

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