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The widely-quoted ‘Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics’ refers to the influence numerical data has in our everyday lives, as well as on policy makers of all disciplines. It has been erroneously attributed to Benjamin Disraeli, but probably originated from others[1]. While numerical data and meaningful information derived are critical in any research enterprise, they are also subject to error, both unintended and fraudulent. Recently, two widely-circulated articles in prominent lay journals [1, 2] have called attention to these concerns, and it behooves all of us in the academic and clinical practice communities, along with the pharmaceutical and medical device industries to review the issues and strive to correct whatever deficiencies exist. This is a daunting task. However, it is an effort we owe our patients in providing them with safe and effective care. Public trust depends on integrity and objectivity of all the players, a goal remaining for the future! However, the immediate priorities are erroneous reporting related to funding pressures and the pursuit of statistical significance (p

Bartonella henselae is implicated as the main etiologic agent of Cat scratch disease (CSD, Cat-scratch fever). A majority of domestic cats may harbor the intra-erythrocytic agent for extended periods without apparent disease. In humans, B. henselae most commonly results in a subacute, bacterial infection that presents with one or more reddish papules which may progress to pustules and regional lymph node enlargement. Usual features include fever, malaise, and a granulomatous lymphadenitis on biopsy. However, atypical clinical presentations occur, albeit with infrequence, and may result in a difficult and protracted diagnostic process. The infection in susceptible hosts such as immunocompromised or elderly patients may result in endocarditis, encephalitis, fever of unknown origin, and general malaise. It is not transmitted from person to person and quarantine is not necessary. The arthropod vector, Ctenocephalides felis, or the cat flea, plays a major role in transmission among cats and to humans. The transmission risk to humans can be substantially reduced through elimination of flea infestations in companion animals. There are numerous recent reviews and case reports in the veterinary and medical literature reflecting increased recognition of this zoonotic agent. All this notwithstanding, many physicians and other providers may not be familiar with this agent and the potential spectrum of human disease; this may lead to delays in diagnosis and unnecessary diagnostic procedures. This article emphasizes the aspects of B. henselae infection, including a typical case report and a table with selected human case reports of unusual clinical manifestations from the published literature.

There are no passengers on spaceship earth. We are all crew ! (Marshall Mcluhan). Understanding the emergence of new zoonotic agents requires knowledge of pathogen biodiversity in wildlife, human-wildlife interactions, anthropogenic pressures on wildlife populations, and changes in society and human behavior [1].

In spite of a number of advances in rabies research and education, rabies remains a serious global threat and causes 55,000 deaths annually. About half of these deaths occur in children under 15 years of age, and in areas where awareness, public and private support, and rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin (RIG) are unavailable or too expensive. Until rabies biologics become more readily available, public and professional education remain of critical importance toward efforts to eliminate this dreadful scourge.