Bartonella species are bacteria present in wild and domesticated animal populations throughout the world. It is important to be aware of the breadth of Bartonella species, including those associated with cows, sheep, deer, and other ruminants, because of their potential role in both animal and human disease. Research on the Bartonella genus over the past […]
Trench Fever Outbreak in Denver: The Factors Involved in B. quintana Transmission
A recent string of trench fever cases in Denver, Colorado, has brought renewed attention to this infection caused by Bartonella quintana. The name “trench fever” comes from the conditions that soldiers in World War I faced. It was also called “five-day fever” during the war, reflecting the relapsing fever symptom that infected soldiers experienced. We […]
New Case Report: Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Bartonella-Associated Skin Lesions
A new case report co-authored by Galaxy Diagnostics scientists highlights the importance of bartonellosis being considered as a differential diagnosis when patients present with neuropsychiatric symptoms and skin lesions. History Bartonellosis is an emerging multi-system vector-borne disease caused by one or more bacteria belonging to the Bartonella genus. Common Bartonella species infections such as cat […]
5 Questions to Discuss with Your Physician When Bartonellosis Is Suspected
Laboratory tests are important tools that physicians use to diagnose patients. When it comes to stealth pathogens, however, testing is often only a piece of the puzzle. Physicians must understand the pathogens and the symptoms they may cause as well as assess the likelihood that the patient is infected to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. […]
How do patients find a blood draw service once they have a kit?
Patients who receive Galaxy’s kits often require assistance finding a service to collect the samples. The novel coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated this issue for specialty laboratory testing specifically. Many physicians have converted their practices to telemedicine and hospitals have put stricter guidelines into place, leaving patients to find other means for specimen collection. Phlebotomy is […]
New Educational Resource: Downloadable “From Cat Scratch Disease to Bartonellosis” Brochure
At the end of 2018, we launched an educational webpage designed to give an overview of bartonellosis and emphasize how the acute and chronic disease manifestations differ. The webpage has been converted into a brochure that we encourage you to share with friends, family members, colleagues, and anyone else who may be interested in learning […]