Bartonella henselae

Serologic detection of Bartonella henselae (Cat scratch disease) antibodies and molecular detection of Bartonella species
Microbiology
Bacteriology
○ Whole blood (serology or PCR) ○ Serum (serology) ○ CSF (PCR) ○ Lymph node tissue or other tissues (PCR)
Other Information
○ An acute and convalescent (3-6 weeks later) may be required for laboratory serologic diagnosis.
○ Clinical symptoms, animal exposure and onset date should be indicated on the request.
○ CSF samples are accepted for testing for PCR, however they are not ideal specimen types as they are typically low-yield.
○ Blood: Serum separator tube (clotted blood); EDTA for PCR
○ CSF: sterile container (0,5mL)
○ Tissue: sterile container (0,5 g)

Blood
○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood.

CSF:
Decontaminate skin, collect at least 0,5mL of CSF by lumbar puncture into a sterile container; collect more CSF if additional cultures are requested (AFB, fungal, etc.). If more than one tube can be successfully collected, the microbiology laboratory should receive the second or third tubes (whichever is less bloody) to avoid contamination by skin flora or blood.

Tissue/Biopsies
○ Collect 5-10 mm3 tissue/bone aseptically using surgical technique/punch biopsy. Place in a clean, sterile container with a small amount of sterile saline. Do not wrap tissue in gauze. Sample viable infected tissue rather than superficial debris. Collect tissues from areas within and adjacent to infected area.

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
PHOL
○ Up to 10 days from receipt at PHO laboratory
○ PCR: Up to 21 days from receipt at NML.
416-586-4800 extension 4432
NO
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Specimens should be stored and transported to the laboratory at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C) after collection.

○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing. PHOL will refer the specimen to NML for PCR testing.