Unmasking Bartonella henselae infection in the shadows of long COVID thanks to clinical metagenomics

Abstract

The diagnosis of long COVID often relies on symptoms post-COVID-19, occasionally lacking biological evidence. This case study illustrates how investigating long COVID uncovered an underlying bartonellosis through clinical metagenomics. Following mild COVID-19, a 26-year-old woman experienced persistent symptoms during 5 months, including axillary adenopathy. Pathological examination, 16 S rRNA PCR, and clinical metagenomic analysis were done on an adenopathy biopsy. The latter revealed Bartonella henselae DNA and RNA. Treatment with clarithromycin improved symptoms. This case underscores the relevance of clinical metagenomics in diagnosing hidden infections. Post-COVID symptoms warrant thorough investigation, and bartonellosis should be considered in polyadenopathy cases, regardless of a recent history of cat or flea exposures.