From cat scratch disease to endocarditis, the possible natural history of Bartonella henselae infection

Abstract

Background: Most patients with infectious endocarditis (IE) due to Bartonella henselae have a history of exposure to cats and pre-existing heart valve lesions. To date, none of the reported patients have had a history of typical cat scratch disease (CSD) which is also a manifestation of infection with B. henselae. Case presentation: Here we report the case of a patient who had CSD and six months later developed IE of the mitral valve caused by B. henselae. Conclusion: Based on this unique case, we speculate that CSD representsthe primary-infection of B. henselae and that IE follows in patients with heart valve lesions. © 2007 Gouriet et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.