Bartonella rochalimae, a newly recognized pathogen in dogs

Abstract

Abstract Background Bartonella spp. comprise a genus of bacteria that frequently cause persistent, often subclinical infection. Although many Bartonella spp. have been implicated in a variety of clinical presentations, Bartonella rochalimae has yet to be documented in association with a clinical presentation other than infectious endocarditis (IE) in dogs. Objectives To document a spectrum of clinical presentations accompanied by mild hematological abnormalities in B rochalimae‐infected dogs from the United States. Animals Eight dogs with documented B rochalimae infection. Methods Retrospective 10‐year study of B rochalimae naturally infected dogs. Clinical and clinicopathologic data, including medical history, CBC, serum biochemistry panel, urinalysis, echocardiogram, and comprehensive vector‐borne disease diagnostic panel results, were reviewed. Results Eight dogs were diagnosed with B rochalimae via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Five dogs were diagnosed with IE. Three dogs, PCR positive for B rochalimae, were diagnosed with seizures or antibiotic responsive lameness or during routine screening of a military working dog. Conclusions This case series provides support for an association between B rochalimae and IE and provides documentation of dogs infected with B rochalimae with other clinical diagnoses.

Keywords

• emerging
• endocarditis
• infection
• polymerase chain reaction
• vector‐borne