B. henselae is the causative agent of cat scratch disease as well as other conditions. It is commonly seen in immunocomprimised patients, particularly those suffering from HIV infection. The classic clinical presentation of CSD is a self-limiting regional lymphadenopathy, usually caused by a cat scratch or bite. The disease starts with a lesion at the site of infection, which may become a papule. Transmission of the disease has been linked to cats and is also suspected to occur via fleas and ticks.
Infection usually resolves spontaneously within several months.
In a minority of cases, encephalopathy occurs, and some patients experience severe systemic disease. Yellow top tube ACD solution A for blood. Other acceptable specimens include Cerebrospinal fluid and pus aspirates. Blood is stable at room temperature for 24 hours. Contact our office for transport requirements of other specimen types.