anti-Bartonella henselae IgM (Felinosis)
General information:
Felinosis is a disease that develops through contact with cats - licking, scratching or biting. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Bartonella / species Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana / which are usually found under the nails, in the saliva or urine of perfectly healthy animals.
Redness, itching, pain, and pus may initially appear around the scratched or bitten area. After a period of 1-3 weeks, the lymph node closest to the injured area swells, which can reach the size of a hazelnut. An increase in temperature, general weakness, chills, headache is possible. The recovery period is long, with the enlarged lymph nodes recovering usually from two to three weeks to 2-3 months.
Timely diagnosis of the disease and adequate antibiotic therapy prevent complications. Sometimes surgical drainage of a lymph node is also necessary.
Sample required:
Blood (serum) is tested about two weeks after the scratch/bite, which usually coincides with enlarged lymph nodes.