Detection of Bartonella henselae DNA in two dogs with pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis

Abstract

B. henselae is implicated as a possible cause or a cofactor in the development of pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis in dogs. In dogs with pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis, immunofluorescent assays may not detect antibodies against B. henselae. Molecular testing, including PCR assay of affected tissues, may provide an alternative diagnostic method for detection of B. henselae DNA in pyogranulomatous lymph nodes.

Idiopathic sterile pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis in a nine‐month‐old springer spaniel

“…Cultures from lymph node biopsies did not reveal fungal or bacterial growth; however, the dog received an injection of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid two weeks before the biopsy was performed. Infectious agents were not demonstrated by special histological staining of the affected lymph node, and specific molecular testing for specific agents such as Bartonella , which has been associated with granulomatous lymphadenitis in the dog (Pappalardo and others 2000, 2001, Gillespie and others 2003, Morales and others 2007), was negative. Moreover, the lack of response to antibiotic therapy and the rapid and sustained improvement of the dog's condition with immunosuppressive treatment further support the diagnosis of idiopathic sterile pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis.…”

PCR detection of Bartonella spp. in the dog

“…berkhoffii. It has been demonstrated, however, that they can be infected with other species including Bartonella henselae (Mexas et al 2002;Chomel et al 2006;Saunders and Monroe 2006;Morales et al 2007;Diniz et al 2009). Bartonella henselae has been described in a number of cases of dog diseases (Guptill 2003).…”

“…DNA was not identified in a single case but they detected the presence of specific IgG antibodies against B. henselae in 50% of tested dogs. Many authors state that if Bartonella DNA is detected in an organism, the serology is negative Morales et al 2007;Duncan et al 2008;Cherry et al 2009;Diniz et al 2009). …”

“…It has been proven that this species plays an important role in cases of endocarditis in dogs and humans (Breitschwerdt et al 1999). Dogs can be further infected with B. henselae, B. clarridgeiae B. washoensis B. elizabethae, and B. quintana (Mexas et al 2002;Chomel et al 2006;Saunders and Monroe 2006;Morales et al 2007;Diniz et al 2009). …”

Bartonella Infection: Treatment And Drug Resistance

“…berkhoffii is considered the most frequent Bartonella species responsible for disease in dogs [14,20]. Other diseases caused by Bartonella species in dogs include aortic and mitral valve endocarditis, granulomatous rhinitis, PH, cardiac arrhythmias, myocarditis, meningoradiculoneuritis, polyarthritis and granulomatous lymphadenitis [13,20,[29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39]. Endocarditis appears to be the main clinical symptom of Bartonella infection in dogs [12,20].…”