Bartonella (formerly Rochalimaea) henselae has become firmly established as the primary etiologic agent for cat scratch disease (CSD). Bartonella quintana, known for some time as a cause of trench fever, is also associated with CSD and bacillary angiomatosis (BA). Both diseases frequently affect immunocompromised patients, particularly those infected with HIV-1. Although CSD is generally a self-limiting disease, it can be life-threatening.
There is some cross-reactivity between the IgG classes of B henselae and B quintana.
This test was developed, and its performance characteristics determined, by LabCorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has determined that such clearance or approval is not necessary.
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