Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat died from heart valve infection linked to Bartonella henselae
By Chomel, Bruno B et al.·Published in Journal of clinical microbiology·2003·Department of Population Health and Reproduction, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Fatal case of endocarditis associated with Bartonella henselae type I infection in a domestic cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A domestic cat was diagnosed with endocarditis, an infection of the heart valve, caused by a bacteria called Bartonella henselae. Even though blood tests didn't show the bacteria, the cat had high levels of antibodies against it, and DNA from the bacteria was found in the damaged heart valve. Unfortunately, despite the findings, the cat's condition was severe, and it did not survive. This case highlights the importance of considering Bartonella infections in cats with heart problems, even when initial blood tests are negative.
People also search for: cat heart infection symptoms · Bartonella henselae in cats · cat endocarditis treatment
Abstract
We report the first feline case of Bartonella henselae endocarditis. Despite negative blood cultures, the cat had high Bartonella antibody titers and B. henselae type I DNA was detected in the damaged aortic valve. Microscopic examination of the valve revealed endocarditis with small silver positive coccoid structures in endothelial cells.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14605199/