BartonellaInfection in Immunocompromised Hosts: Immunology of Vascular Infection and Vasoproliferation

Abstract

Most infections by genusBartonellain immunocompromised patients are caused byB. henselaeandB. quintana. Unlike immunocompetent hosts who usually develop milder diseases such as cat scratch disease and trench fever, immunocompromised patients, including those living with HIV/AIDS and posttransplant patients, are more likely to develop different and severe life-threatening disease. This paper will discussBartonella'smanifestations in immunosuppressed patients and will examineBartonella'sinteraction with the immune system including its mechanisms of establishing infection and immune escape. Gaps in current understanding of the immunology ofBartonellainfection in immunocompromised hosts will be highlighted.