Bartonellosis

The role of Bartonella species as pathogens in dogs and cats is being defined, and diagnosis and treatment of these infections of dogs and cats remain challenging. As new information regarding Bartonella infections of companion animals becomes available, the understanding of the pathogenesis of these infections will improve. Most Bartonella species infecting dogs and cats are zoonotic, and B henselae is the most important zoonotic species. Bartonella henselae bacteremia is common in domestic cats, and cats transmit B henselae to people. Transmission of Bartonella infections among cats and dogs is believed to occur primarily by way of arthropod vectors. Control of these vectors and avoiding interactions with pets that result in scratches or bites are the most effective means to prevent transmission between animals and people.