Description
To confirmB. henselae? infection, the choice of sample depends on the suspected form of disease and whether the goal is to detect active infection or exposure. For suspected acute or active infection, whole blood (EDTA) is the most common sample for PCR, as it can detect circulating bacteria; serum is collected for serology (IFA or ELISA) to demonstrate antibodies, although a positive titre alone does not prove active disease.
In cases with localizing signs, additional samples may be tested: aqueous humor or vitreous for ocular disease, synovial fluid for arthritis, CSF for neurologic signs, or tissue biopsies (lymph node, heart valve, liver, spleen) for histopathology and PCR. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is particularly useful because it can detect and quantifyB. henselae? DNA in blood or tissue, helping to distinguish highlevel bacteraemia (suggestive of active disease) from lowlevel or intermittent shedding; a positive qPCR in a clinically relevant sample, especially when combined with compatible signs and rising antibody titres, strongly supports a diagnosis of clinical bartonellosis.
