Unknown fever and back pain caused by Bartonella henselae in a veterinarian after a needle puncture: a case report and literature review

Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2011 May;11(5):589-91. doi: 10.1089/vbz.2009.0217. Epub 2010 Jun 23.

Abstract

Bartonella henselae, the etiologic agent of cat-scratch disease, rarely causes back pain and is considered to be transmitted through animal scratches and bites. Here we report a cat-scratch disease case possibly with an unusual route of transmission. The patient was a 32-year-old man, and he was working as a veterinarian in a private veterinary clinic. He sought for clinical help because of unknown fever and persistent back pain for at least a month after an accidental needle puncture. Through serological testing and molecular identifications, this clinical case was confirmed to be caused by B. henselae.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Back Pain
  • Bartonella henselae / genetics
  • Bartonella henselae / isolation & purification
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / diagnosis*
  • Fever
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Needlestick Injuries / microbiology*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Taiwan
  • Veterinarians*