Developing a Diagnostic Test for Bartonella-Associated Diseases

Bartonella bacteria cause a wide spectrum of life-threatening diseases in cats and other species, including dogs and humans. While certain species of these bacteria have been identified as the definitive cause for some diseases, including valvular endocarditis and cat-scratch disease, in many instances this link, although suspected, cannot be pinpointed as a causal factor. This may lead to chronic infections in affected animals. To address this problem, researchers will develop a highly sensitive test to help visualize Bartonella bacteria in diseased tissues. Development of this new tool will help improve diagnostics of Bartonella-associated diseases to guide treatment and further study of Bartonella bacteria’s impact on the health of cats and other animals.