Bartonella-What Are the Symptoms?

Often when you have Lyme Disease you have to deal with other tick-borne diseases or infections. One of which can include Bartonella or as some known Cat Scratch Fever. It is more than just flu-like symptoms and achiness, which you also know about Lyme Disease. Those that share other co-infections with Lyme Disease often need to be treated longer than as is outlined in the CDC outlines.

Joe the Tick does a great job listing other symptoms of Bartonella some of which include Gastrointestinal symptoms, abdominal pain and acid reflux, strange rashes recurring on the body often, and more. To see the other symptoms go to Joe the Tick’s Blog.

Bartonella

“Bartonella is an intracellular, gram-negative bacteria that can become chronic. Certain lab tests may not detect the infection due to a variety of strains and the lack of sensitivity of the tests. It is advised to use both PCR and IFA methods of testing and not to dismiss the disease due to negative tests when symptoms are present. Various Bartonella species have been recognized since the early 1950s.” Lucy Barnes further describes symptoms such as fevers, malaise, fatigue, rashes, conjunctivitis, Osteomyelitis, Myositis, Arthritis, Endocarditis, cognitive dysfunction, and much more. For more helpful information regarding Bartonella go to LymeInfo at http://www.lymeinfo.net/bartonella.html.

The recommended tests as suggested by Dr. Burrascano, is to “use both serology and PCR. PCR can be performed not only on blood and CSF, but as in LB can be performed on biopsy specimens. Unfortunately, in my experience, these tests, even when both types are done, will presently miss over half the cases diagnosed clinically.” Antibiotic and usually other treatments are recommended for treatment.

More accurate information can be found at Advanced Topics In Lyme Disease Diagnostic Hints And Treatment Guidelines For Lyme And Other Tick Borne Illnesses, Sixteenth Edition, Joseph J. Burrascano Jr., M.D.  http://www.ilads.org/lyme_disease/B_guidelines_12_17_08.pdf#search=”bartonella