Bartonella
Bartonellosis, the infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella, is possibly a more problematic human infection than Lyme disease. Like Lyme disease, Bartonella can be transmitted to humans through a tick bite. However, Bartonella can also be transmitted to humans by various other vectors. Historically, testing for Bartonellosis has been insensitive. Bartonella causes symptoms similar to Lyme disease but requires different treatment, so it is important to test for it properly. However, the biggest concern Bartonella poses over Lyme disease is most physicians are entirely unaware of this prevalent bacteria.
Cat scratch desease
Cat scratch disease is the most well-known disease caused by “Bartonella henselae”. Cat fleas carrying Bartonella bacteria defecate on cats, and the bacteria will survive in the feces on cats for many days. When cats scratch themselves, the bacteria from the feces get under their claws, then transmitted to humans through a scratch. Bartonella bacteria have been identified in cat saliva and can be transmitted by a cat bite.
Symptoms of Bartonella
Bartonella bacteria are transmitted to humans through a bite from a vector or a cat scratch. In lice, the transmission of Bartonella to humans occurs when lice feces enters a break in the skin when a person scratches their scalp.
Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria attach to the red blood cells. Bartonella possesses specific proteins, enzymes, and genes that allow the bacteria to invade red blood cells. Inside the cell, the bacteria replicate and then are released from cells, where they are transported to organs and tissues that are highly vascularized, such as the heart, liver, spleen, and blood vessels. In Bartonella Quintana, bacteria may be released from red blood cells every five days, causing a cyclical pattern of symptoms.
The severity of infection with Bartonella is determined by the virulence of the bacteria species, the bacterial load, and the health of the infected person’s immune system. It is the host’s immune response that determines the outcome of the infection.
Small Vessel Disease
Bartonella prefers the cells that line blood vessels called endothelial cells. Bacteria inside of the vessel wall create inflammation and fibrin deposition, causing narrowing of the vessel where blood flows. Blood vessel constriction reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery to organs and tissues. Decreased oxygen causes tissue damage and leads to loss of function in cells contributing to symptoms. Tissue that receives blood from small vessels like capillaries is most at risk.
The central nervous system – especially the brain – is susceptible to decreased oxygen delivery. The brain’s white matter does not have collateral circulation, so neurological symptoms manifest early in infection with Bartonella. Symptoms such as cognitive impairment, disconnection syndrome, poor executive function (decisions, planning), decreased working memory, delayed processing speed, and mood swings are associated with small vessel disease caused by Bartonella.
The Bartonella Symptomalogy
Neurological
Headaches, peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling in hands, feet), dysautonomia/POTS, tremors, seizures, vertigo, PANS/PANDAS, OCD, ALS
Psychological
Cognitive impairment, decreased processing speed, hallucinations, disconnection/dissociation, Schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, agitation, mood swings
Musculoskeletal
Pain in the soles of the feet, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bone pain, joint hypermobility, muscle weakness, muscle twitching, chin pain
Immune
Swollen lymph nodes, frequent sore throats, fevers (especially of unknown origin)
Blood
Anemia, low platelets (thrombocytopenia)
Visual
Blurred vision, retinitis
Skin
Stretch marks (especially horizontal on back and hips)
Abdominal
Enlarged liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly, pain under the ribcage), liver cysts
Cardiovascular
Endocarditis, palpitations
General
Fatigue, insomnia, nausea
