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The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and genetic characteristics of Bartonella quintana in pet cats from Urmia City, located in the northwest of Iran. Blood samples were collected from 200 cats, and their age, gender, and breed were noted. Nested-PCR and sequencing were used to identify B. quintana in positive samples, and the ftsZ gene sequences were analyzed using BioEdit software. The gene sequence obtained in this study exhibited 100.00 % similarity to reference sequences in the GenBank® database, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA11. The results revealed that 15 % of the cats (30 out of 200 blood samples) tested positive for the B. quintana gene, with a 95 % confidence interval of 10.71 % to 20.61 %. • The first genomic detection and identification of Bartonella quintana in pet cats from Urmia city, Iran. • B. quintana cause trench fever as an important zoonotic disease. • the nested-PCR technique is successful to detect of B. quintana nucleic acid (DNA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MALDI-TOF MS of bed bugs was correct for all good quality spectra. • Several MS peaks were specific to bed bugs infected with either B. quintana or B. henselae. • MALDI-TOF MS was able to identify the bed bug's Bartonella -infectious status in above 90% of the infected bugs. Bed bugs are small hematophagous insects. They are found in temperate and tropical climates around the world. Their vectorial capacity for several pathogens, including Bartonella spp., has been suspected. An experimental study of artificial infection of Cimex lectularius with Bartonella quintana and Bartonella henselae bacteria was developed to evaluate the ability of MALDI-TOF MS to simultaneously identify bed bugs and their infectious status. This experimental study confirmed the ability of MALDI-TOF MS to identify bed bugs. In addition, it was able to differentiate between control bed bugs, bed bugs infected with Bartonella quintana and bed bugs infected with Bartonella henselae, with an identification percentage above 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying ancient infectious diseases is a challenge, as written contemporary descriptions, when available, are often imprecise and do not allow for accurate discrimination among the pathogens endemic at that time. Paleomicrobiology offers a unique access to the history of these infections by identifying precisely the causative agents. Body louse-transmitted infections are amongst the most epidemic diseases in history, especially in war and famine periods. Of these, Bartonella quintana was detected by suicide PCR in 4000-year-old human remains, thus representing the oldest evidence to date of an arthropod-transmitted infection to human beings. This species has also been detected in human specimens from the 11th to 15th, 18th and 19th centuries. In addition, Bartonella henselae , a cat- and flea-associated pathogen, was detected in cat specimens from the 13th to 18th centuries, therefore demonstrating an association of the bacterium and its reservoir for over 800 years. Therefore, pathogenic Bartonella species have been involved in several outbreaks in the past millennia and should systematically be investigated in human remains from suspected epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head lice and body lice have distinct ecologies and differ slightly in morphology and biology, questioning their taxonomic status. Over the past 10 years many genetic studies have been undertaken. Controversial data suggest that not only body lice but also head lice can serve as vectors of Bartonella quintana, and a better understanding of louse epidemiology is crucial. Here, we review taxonomic studies based on biology and genetics, including genomic data on lice, lice endosymbionts, and louse-transmitted bacteria. We recommend that studies of human lice employ morphological and biological characteristics in conjunction with transcriptomic date because lice seem to differ mainly in gene expression (and not in gene content), leading to different phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clin Microbiol Infect 2012; 18: 332-337 Abstract Several of the infectious diseases associated with human lice are life-threatening, including epidemic typhus, relapsing fever, and trench fever, which are caused by Rickettsia prowazekii, Borrelia recurrentis, and Bartonella quintana, respectively. Although these diseases have been known for several centuries, they remain a major public health concern in populations living in poor-hygiene conditions because of war, social disruption, severe poverty, or gaps in public health management. Poor-hygiene conditions favour a higher prevalence of body lice, which are the main vectors for these diseases. Trench fever has been reported in both developing and developed countries in populations living in poor conditions, such as homeless individuals. In contrast, outbreaks of epidemic typhus and epidemic relapsing fever have occurred in jails and refugee camps in developing countries. However, reports of a significantly high seroprevalence for epidemic typhus and epidemic relapsing fever in the homeless populations of developed countries suggest that these populations remain at high risk for outbreaks of these diseases. Additionally, experimental laboratory studies have demonstrated that the body louse can transmit other emerging or re-emerging pathogens, such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Yersinia pestis. Therefore, a strict survey of louse-borne diseases and the implementation of efficient delousing strategies in these populations should be public health priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Head and clothing lice from Jimma, Ethiopia were investigated for pathogenic bacteria. Genomic DNA from pools of lice was subjected to PCR analysis for Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp. Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia spp. and Yersinia pestis. All 102 lice pools were negative for the afore mentioned pathogens, with the exception of Bartonella species found among 6 of 65 (9.2%) head lice pools and1 of 33 clothing lice pools. Identification was achieved by sequencing the ribosomal intragenic transcribed spacer region (ITS), revealing all to be Bartonella quintana. Although established as a clothing louse-borne infection, typically causing chronic bacteraemia, trench fever, bacillary angiomatosis and endocarditis, this has only been rarely reported among head lice. The higher numbers of infected head lice pools compared with clothing lice suggests their competence for maintaining this infection within Ethiopia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bartonella quintana, known to cause various clinical symptoms, is increasingly recognized as one important cause of culture-negative endocarditis. We report a case of infectious endocarditis with B. quintana on the prosthetic valve, accompanied by proteinase 3-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive collagen vascular disease-like symptoms 1 year earlier. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report the case of a 55 year-old man presenting with a double aortic and mitral endocarditis for which resected valve culture was repeatedly negative. Specific PCR made on valves because of highly positive blood tests for Bartonella henselae remained negative. A molecular approach was made with 16S rDNA PCR, followed by sequencing. Bartonella quintana was identified as the etiology of endocarditis. B. quintana, “fastidious” bacteria, even if hard to identify in a laboratory, is often reported as a blood culture negative endocarditis (BCNE) agent. Molecular biology methods have strongly improved the diagnosis of BCNE. We propose a review of the literature focusing on the interest of broad-spectrum PCR on valve for the etiological diagnosis of BCNE. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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To determine the seroprevalences of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana antibodies in Jordanian pet cats, serum samples from 153 cats from three geographical regions were analyzed. Seroprevalences were determined by indirect immunofluorescence. The true seroprevalences to B. henselae and B. quintana were 32 and 1.5%, respectively. The seroprevalence of B. henselae-specific antibodies in cats from northern Jordan was significantly higher than in cats from the central or southern parts of Jordan. The seroprevalence to B. henselae increased to age 2 years. Odds of seropositivity were higher in cats living outdoors, showing hunting behavior, having a flea infestation and of a mixed breed. No association was detected with sex. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Résumé Introduction Bartonella quintana (Bq) est responsable de divers tableaux cliniques. L’atteinte neuroméningée est rarement rapportée. Observation Une patiente âgée de 20 ans était admise pour fièvre, céphalées évoluant depuis cinq jours. Les données de l’interrogatoire, de l’examen clinique, de la biologie et de la ponction lombaire étaient en faveur d’une méningite virale. La patiente était traitée symptomatiquement et l’évolution était favorable. Trois jours après sa sortie, la patiente reconsulte pour confusion fébrile. La ponction lombaire (PL) avait noté un liquide céphalorachidien (LCR) d’aspect clair, avec des éléments blancs à 130/mm 3 dont 90 % de lymphocytes. L’albuminorachie était à 0,98 g/L, la glucorachie est normale. L’examen direct du LCR était négatif. La patiente était traitée par ofloxacine à la dose de 400 mg/j pendant sept jours. La sérologie B. quintana était positive. L’évolution était favorable. Conclusion L’infection à B. quintana doit être évoquée devant des symptômes neurologiques d’étiologie indéterminée. Introduction Bartonella quintana ( Bq ) is responsible of various clinical pictures. Neuromeningeal complications are rarely reported. Case A 20-year-old woman was admitted for fever, headache lasting for 5 days. On admission, she was febrile at 39.3 °C and had a stiff neck. Symptoms, contact with animals, biological tests and lumbar puncture (PL) rendered viral meningitis a likely diagnosis. She had received symptomatic treatment and the outcome was favorable. Three days later, the patient had headache, agitation and confusion with fever. The PL noted 130/mm 3 whites, 90% lymphocytes. The albuminorachie was 0.98 g/L, glucorachie was normal. The patient was treated with 400 mg of ofloxacine/day, seven days. Serologic tests for B. quintana were reactive. The outcome was favorable. Conclusion B. quintana infection should be considered in neurological symptoms of unknown etiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The human body louse is the only known vector of Bartonella quintana. However, the presence of this bacterium has recently been detected in the head lice of homeless individuals and Nepalese slum children. Previous studies have reported the isolation of Acinetobacter baumannii from the body lice of homeless individuals. An epidemiological survey including 74 schools was conducted between 2008 and 2009 in Paris. After a first visual examination, the hair of children with suspected pediculosis was combed with a fine-tooth comb to collect live adult head lice. Molecular studies were performed on randomly selected DNA samples to detect B. quintana and A. baumannii by specific quantitative real-time PCR. Among a collection of 288 DNA samples, B. quintana was not detected, but A. baumannii was detected in 95 DNA samples (33%). Further study is needed to determine the significance of the finding of A. baumannii in head lice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary We report here the presence of Bartonella quintana in a demodex. Demodex are arthropods associated with acnea. Bartonella quintana was found by broad Spectrum 16rDNA PCR amplification and sequencing, and confirmed by specific PCR. Bartonella quintana may parasite several arthropods and not only lice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus) is recognized as the vector of different pathogenic bacteria as Bartonella quintana and Rickettsia prowazekii, the etiological agents of trench fever and epidemic typhus, respectively, being these bacteria re-emerging pathogens in different countries. Poor living conditions and limited access to public services are predisposing factors to increase high prevalence of body lice infestation in different populations such as homeless people. In Bogota-Colombia, approximately 9.614 homeless people are living in unsanitary conditions. However, our country has no reports about the presence of louse-borne bacteria and infection caused by this. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish the presence of Bartonella spp and Rickettsia spp in body lice collected from homeless people in Bogota. Methods & Materials: A total of 201 body lice were collected from 18 individuals. Lice were taxonomically classified and pooled by host and development stage. 39 pools were obtained for theDNA extraction and all samples were subjected to PCR. For the identification of Bartonella spp, PCR was made to amplify a part of the citrate synthase (gltA) and ITS1 genes and for Rickettsia spp we amplified the gltA, ompB and 16SrRNA genes. Results: A total of 11 (28.2%) Bartonella spp lice pools were positives, from these 7 were positive for gltA, 10 positive for ITS1 and 6 positive for both genes. Also, 34 lice pools (87.1%) were positives for Rickettsia spp (gltA, ompB and 16SrRNA genes were identified 42 [62%], 1 [3%] and 17 [44%] pools positives, respectively), 6 pools positives for two genes (gltA and 16SrRNA) and 1 positive for three genes. Furthermore, 9 lice pools (23%) were positives for both microorganisms. 9 (50%) and 17 (94%) homeless individuals were positives for Bartonella spp and Rickettsia spp, respectively. While 7 (38.8%) were positives for both microorganism. Conclusion: This is the first report in Colombia and South America detecting Bartonella spp and Rickettsia spp in human body lice from homeless people, indicating that they are present in this population and create a risk for public health in Colombia, especially in susceptible populations with poor living conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bartonella quintana endocarditis is characterized by sub-acute evolution and severe valvular damage, and is associated with homelessness, alcoholism, and lice infestation. We present a case of B. quintana endocarditis in an Ethiopian immigrant without known risk factors for disease acquisition. This is the first case of B. quintana endocarditis reported from east Africa. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background: Bartonella henselae, Bartonella quintana, and Bartonella bacilliformis are responsible for the majority of cases of bartonellosis in humans. These species have various unique epidemiologic characteristics, clinical manifestations, and treatment approaches. The objective of this study was to summarize the evidence on the treatment for the three most common species of Bartonella in humans. Methods: We searched electronic databases through August 2011 for randomized controlled trials and observational studies designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the regimens used to treat diseases produced by B. henselae, B. quintana, and B. bacilliformis. Study selection and appraisal were done in duplicate. Results: We found two randomized and seven non-randomized studies at high risk of bias. For cat scratch disease, antibiotics did not significantly affect the cure rate or time to achieve cure. In chronic bacteremia, gentamicin and doxycycline significantly increased the resolution rate. The recommended treatment was not better than other regimens for infectious endocarditis and bacillary angiomatosis. Conclusions: Current clinical practice for the treatment of bartonellosis relies mostly on expert opinion and antimicrobial susceptibility data. Randomized controlled trials are needed in the field to compare different treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Both Bartonella quintana and Coxiella burnetii are known to cause of blood culture negative endocarditis. In such case, the diagnosis is usually established by serology. A case of Bartonella quintana endocarditis is described where the serology was falsely positive for Coxiella burnetii. This case demonstrates the difficulty in distinguishing these two etiologic agents by routine serologic testing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]