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Galaxy Diagnostics co-founders Edward B. Breitschwerdt and Ricardo G. Maggi and medical director B. Robert Mozayeni, along with consulting physicians and others at the North Carolina State University (NCSU) College of Veterinary Medicine published a clinical case report of Bartonella henselae bloodstream infection (aka cat scratch disease) associated with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS).
Bartonella henselae is an infectious flea-borne bacterium that is increasingly associated with a range of chronic symptoms in humans. In this new case study, a young patient experienced psychotic symptoms over an 18-month period, including 4 hospitalizations. Conventional treatments for mental illness and autoimmune diseases did not relieve the symptoms.
NCSU researchers used sample enrichment in the proprietary Bartonella alphaproteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) and PCR testing to document persistent Bartonella henselae infection despite almost two months of antibiotic treatment. Further antibiotic treatment was initiated and the boy’s psychiatric and other symptoms eventually resolved. This BAPGM diagnostic testing approach is available at Galaxy Diagnostics as Bartonella ePCR™ testing.
“Galaxy Diagnostics was founded to facilitate a more accurate diagnosis of Bartonella species infection (bartonellosis) and infections by other vector-borne pathogens,” said Amanda Elam, president and chief executive officer of Galaxy Diagnostics. “Every day patients tell us how diagnosis has changed their lives. This case study demonstrates how dramatically an accurate diagnosis can affect the course of a young person’s life.”
Read the full case report here.
About Galaxy Diagnostics, Inc.
As a social venture and a One Health company, Galaxy Diagnostics is passionate about protecting the animal-human bond through the surveillance, prevention and clinical management of flea- and tick-borne diseases shared by people and animals. Not only do we offer the best possible molecular and serology test options available, but we work with researchers and clinicians to generate new knowledge about emerging infectious diseases such as bartonellosis, Lyme borreliosis and other vector-borne diseases. Based on our scientific expertise, we are able to provide counsel to clinicians and researchers dedicated to achieving the most accurate diagnosis possible for their patients. Our mission is reflected in our corporate values, clinical service offerings, and everyday interaction with patients, clinicians and researchers.
Media contact: James Rebenski
contact@galaxydx.com