Serological evidence ofBartonella henselaeinfection in healthy people in Catalonia, Spain

Abstract

SUMMARYCat scratch disease (CSD), bacillary angiomatosis, hepatic peliosis and some cases of bacteraemia, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis are directly caused by some species of the genusBartonella. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of IgG antibodies againstBartonella henselaein healthy people and to identify the epidemiological factors involved. Serum samples from 218 patients were examined by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Significance levels for univariate statistical analysis were determined by the Mann–WhitneyUtest, χ2test and Fisher's exact test. Of 218 patients, 99 were female and 119 male, with a median age of 34·36 years (range 0–91 years). Nineteen (8·7%) reacted withB. henselaeantigens. Of all the factors concerning the seroprevalence rate being studied (age, sex, contact with animals, residential area), only age was statistically significant. Our serological data seems to indicate thatB. henselaeis present in Catalonia and could be transmitted to humans.