BartonellaDNA in the Blood and Lymph Nodes of Golden Retrievers with Lymphoma and in Healthy Controls

Abstract

Background: Although lymphoma is the most common neoplastic process reported in dogs, its precise etiology is unknown. Golden Retrievers are more likely to develop lymphoma, suggesting a breed predisposition; however, other factors, including environment, immunity, and infection, are likely contributors to oncogenesis. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the development of lymphoma in Golden Retrievers may be associated with vector‐borne infections, specifically Bartonella, Anaplasma, or Ehrlichia species infections. Animals: Golden Retrievers with lymphoma and healthy Golden Retrievers from across the United States were recruited for study participation. Methods: A matched, case‐control study was performed to determine the association of lymphoma and the presence of Bartonella, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia species in serum, blood, and lymph node aspirates. Results: Using PCR analyses and DNA sequencing, single and coinfections with Bartonella henselae, Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella quintana, and/or Bartonella vinsonii (berkhoffii) were detected in the blood and lymph node aspirates of Golden Retrievers with lymphoma (5/28 dogs, 18%) and in healthy Golden Retrievers (10/56 dogs, 18%); no Anaplasma or Ehrlichia DNA was detected in any dog. When compared with dogs with lymphoma, a higher (P <.001) proportion of healthy Golden Retrievers were receiving monthly acaricide treatments (2.6 times higher). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Bartonella DNA can be detected in blood and lymph nodes; importantly, in this report, Bartonella was detected in the same proportion of clinically healthy dogs and dogs with lymphoma. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to determine the mode of transmission of Bartonella in dogs, whether lymphatic infection is persistent, or whether these bacteria may contribute to the development of lymphoma.

A Groundhog, a Novel Bartonella Sequence, and My Father's Death

“…B. henselae and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii have been amplified from dog lymph node aspiration samples ( 30 ). Thus in a given patient, Bartonella organisms likely infect a substantial number of cellular targets.…”

A Groundhog, a NovelBartonellaSequence, and My Father’s Death

“…B. henselae and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffi i have been amplifi ed from dog lymph node aspiration samples (30). Thus in a given patient, Bartonella organisms likely infect a substantial number of cellular targets.…”

PCR detection of Bartonella spp. in the dog

“…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). …”