<b><i>Bartonella henselae</i></b> Infection Associated with Autoimmune Thyroiditis in a Child

Abstract

Background: Bartonella henselae was discovered a quarter of a century ago as the causative agent of cat-scratch disease. More recently, Bartonella has been found to be responsible for a broad range of clinical syndromes (prolonged fever, hepatosplenic disease, encephalopathies, ocular disease) and associated with autoimmune conditions. Case: This is the first report of autoimmune thyroiditis related to B. henselae infection. We describe an 11-year-old boy who presented with goiter and weight loss. At the time of admission a 2 × 1 cm mildly tender right supraclavicular lymph node was noted in association with an erythematous papule at the same side of the neck. We describe an association of autoimmune hyperthyroidism (Hashitoxicosis) with B. henselae infection (cat-scratch disease) in a pediatric patient. Conclusion: Different types of infections are implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid disease through molecular mimicry or other mechanisms, despite their role is disputed. We speculated that autoimmune thyroiditis should be added to the spectrum of clinical syndromes that can be triggered by B. henselae.

Clinical Profile and Visual Outcome of Ocular Bartonellosis in Malaysia

“…Cat-scratch disease, that is, bartonellosis, is a self-limiting condition in immunocompetent individuals. The spectrum of systemic involvement in bartonellosis ranges from endocarditis to thyroiditis, arthritis, haemolytic anemia, and glomerulonephritis [ 6 – 10 ]. The ocular manifestations of Bartonella spp.…”

The Role of Infection and Immune Responsiveness in a Case of Treatment-Resistant Pediatric Bipolar Disorder

“…Symptoms attributed to Bartonellosis can include: mild cognitive impairment; white matter “subcortical disconnection”; impaired executive functioning; working memory impairment; processing speed delay; mood lability; severe agitation; panic disorder and treatment-resistant depression (20, 21). A number of autoimmune diseases have been known to be associated with Bartonellosis including autoimmune thyroiditis, Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, vasculitis, glomerulonephritis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, transverse myelitis, Henoch Schonlein Purpura, and Guillain–Barré Syndrome (22, 23). …”

The importance of multiparasitism: examining the consequences of co-infections for human and animal health

“…immune responses of an organism against its own cells and tissues) on multi-infections may also be mentioned. Indeed, by disrupting the host immune response to infections, it can have an impact on the frequency of co-infections [ 94 , 95 ].…”