@article{andre_neupane_lappin_herrin_smith_williams_collins_bai_jorge_balbuena_et al._2022, title={Using Proteomic Approaches to Unravel the Response of Ctenocephalides felis felis to Blood Feeding and Infection With Bartonella henselae}, volume={12}, ISSN={["2235-2988"]}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2022.828082}, DOI={10.3389/fcimb.2022.828082}, abstractNote={Among the Ctenocephalides felis felis-borne pathogens, Bartonella henselae, the main aetiological agent of cat scratch disease (CSD), is of increasing comparative biomedical importance. Despite the importance of B. henselae as an emergent pathogen, prevention of the diseases caused by this agent in cats, dogs and humans mostly relies on the use of ectoparasiticides. A vaccine targeting both flea fitness and pathogen competence is an attractive choice requiring the identification of flea proteins/metabolites with a dual effect. Even though recent developments in vector and pathogen -omics have advanced the understanding of the genetic factors and molecular pathways involved at the tick-pathogen interface, leading to discovery of candidate protective antigens, only a few studies have focused on the interaction between fleas and flea-borne pathogens. Taking into account the period of time needed for B. henselae replication in flea digestive tract, the present study investigated flea-differentially abundant proteins (FDAP) in unfed fleas, fleas fed on uninfected cats, and fleas fed on B. henselae-infected cats at 24 hours and 9 days after the beginning of blood feeding. Proteomics approaches were designed and implemented to interrogate differentially expressed proteins, so as to gain a better understanding of proteomic changes associated with the initial B. henselae transmission period (24 hour timepoint) and a subsequent time point 9 days after blood ingestion and flea infection. As a result, serine proteases, ribosomal proteins, proteasome subunit α-type, juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase 1, vitellogenin C, allantoinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, glycinamide ribotide transformylase, secreted salivary acid phosphatase had high abundance in response of C. felis blood feeding and/or infection by B. henselae. In contrast, high abundance of serpin-1, arginine kinase, ribosomal proteins, peritrophin-like protein, and FS-H/FSI antigen family member 3 was strongly associated with unfed cat fleas. Findings from this study provide insights into proteomic response of cat fleas to B. henselae infected and uninfected blood meal, as well as C. felis response to invading B. henselae over an infection time course, thus helping understand the complex interactions between cat fleas and B. henselae at protein levels.}, journal={FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY}, publisher={Frontiers Media SA}, author={Andre, Marcos Rogerio and Neupane, Pradeep and Lappin, Michael and Herrin, Brian and Smith, Vicki and Williams, Taufika Islam and Collins, Leonard and Bai, Hongxia and Jorge, Gabriel Lemes and Balbuena, Tiago Santana and et al.}, year={2022}, month={Jan} }
 @article{ericson_breitschwerdt_reicherter_maxwell_maggi_melvin_maluki_bradley_miller_simmons_et al._2021, title={Bartonella henselae Detected in Malignant Melanoma, a Preliminary Study}, volume={10}, ISSN={["2076-0817"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10030326}, DOI={10.3390/pathogens10030326}, abstractNote={Bartonella bacilliformis (B. bacilliformis), Bartonella henselae (B. henselae), and Bartonella quintana (B. quintana) are bacteria known to cause verruga peruana or bacillary angiomatosis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-dependent cutaneous lesions in humans. Given the bacteria’s association with the dermal niche and clinical suspicion of occult infection by a dermatologist, we determined if patients with melanoma had evidence of Bartonella spp. infection. Within a one-month period, eight patients previously diagnosed with melanoma volunteered to be tested for evidence of Bartonella spp. exposure/infection. Subsequently, confocal immunohistochemistry and PCR for Bartonella spp. were used to study melanoma tissues from two patients. Blood from seven of the eight patients was either seroreactive, PCR positive, or positive by both modalities for Bartonella spp. exposure. Subsequently, Bartonella organisms that co-localized with VEGFC immunoreactivity were visualized using multi-immunostaining confocal microscopy of thick skin sections from two patients. Using a co-culture model, B. henselae was observed to enter melanoma cell cytoplasm and resulted in increased vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) production. Findings from this small number of patients support the need for future investigations to determine the extent to which Bartonella spp. are a component of the melanoma pathobiome.}, number={3}, journal={PATHOGENS}, publisher={MDPI AG}, author={Ericson, Marna E. and Breitschwerdt, Edward B. and Reicherter, Paul and Maxwell, Cole and Maggi, Ricardo G. and Melvin, Richard G. and Maluki, Azar H. and Bradley, Julie M. and Miller, Jennifer C. and Simmons, Glenn E., Jr. and et al.}, year={2021}, month={Mar} }
 @article{lashnits_neupane_bradley_richardson_maggi_breitschwerdt_2021, title={Comparison of Serological and Molecular Assays for Bartonella Species in Dogs with Hemangiosarcoma}, volume={10}, ISSN={["2076-0817"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10070794}, DOI={10.3390/pathogens10070794}, abstractNote={Currently, a gold standard diagnostic test for Bartonella infection in dogs is lacking. This represents a critical limitation for the development and evaluation of new diagnostic tests, as well as for the diagnosis of, and research on, bartonellosis in dogs. This retrospective observational study aims to compare the results of commonly performed and newly-reported Bartonella spp. diagnostic tests in banked clinical specimens from 90 dogs with hemangiosarcoma (HSA) using composite reference standard (CRS) and random effects latent class analysis (RE-LCA) techniques. Samples from each dog were tested using six serological or molecular diagnostic assays, including indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) and Western blot (WB) for the detection of antibodies in serum, and qPCR and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in blood and fresh frozen tissue biopsy samples (mainly splenic HSA tumors and histopathologically normal spleen or skin/adipose tissue). Bartonella infection prevalence was estimated to be 78% based on the CRS (parallel testing with all six assays), and 64% based on the RE-LCA model. The assay with the highest diagnostic accuracy was qPCR performed on fresh frozen tissue biopsy samples (sensitivity: 94% by RE-LCA and 80% by CRS; specificity: 100%). When comparing newly-reported to traditional Bartonella diagnostic assays, ddPCR was more sensitive for the detection of Bartonella DNA than qPCR when testing blood samples (36% vs. 0%, p < 0.0001). Dogs that were positive on serological assays alone with negative molecular assays were highly unlikely (<3%) to be classified as infected by the RE-LCA model. These data indicate that Bartonella spp. DNA can be PCR amplified from fresh frozen tissues from a majority of dogs with HSA using both qPCR and ddPCR, supporting the use of these methods for future controlled studies comparing the prevalence of Bartonella spp. DNA in the tissue of dogs with HSA to that of unaffected controls.}, number={7}, journal={PATHOGENS}, publisher={MDPI AG}, author={Lashnits, Erin and Neupane, Pradeep and Bradley, Julie M. and Richardson, Toni and Maggi, Ricardo G. and Breitschwerdt, Edward B.}, year={2021}, month={Jul} }
 @article{lashnits_maggi_jarskog_bradley_breitschwerdt_frohlich_2021, title={Schizophrenia and Bartonella spp. Infection: A Pilot Case-Control Study}, volume={21}, ISSN={["1557-7759"]}, DOI={10.1089/vbz.2020.2729}, abstractNote={Recently, infections with emerging zoonotic bacteria of the genus Bartonella have been reported in association with a range of central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. Currently, it remains unknown if Bartonella spp. infection is associated with symptoms of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder (SCZ/SAD). The objective of this study was to determine if there is an association between Bartonella species infection and SCZ/SAD. A secondary objective was to determine if SCZ/SAD symptoms were more severe among participants with documented Bartonella spp. infection. Using a case–control study design, 17 cases and 13 controls were evaluated with a series of clinical and cognitive assessments. Blood samples were collected and tested for Bartonella spp. infection using serological, microbiological, and molecular techniques. People with SCZ/SAD were more likely than healthy volunteers to have Bartonella spp. DNA in their bloodstream, with 11 of 17 cases (65%) positive by Bartonella spp. droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). In comparison, only one healthy volunteer was Bartonella spp. ddPCR positive (8%, p = 0.0024). Based on serology, Bartonella spp. exposure was common among people with SCZ/SAD (12 of 17) as well as among healthy volunteers (12 of 13), with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.196). Within the case group of people with SCZ/SAD, there was no significant difference in SCZ/SAD severity scores between people with and without ddPCR evidence of Bartonella spp. infection. This pilot study provides preliminary evidence in support of future investigations that should examine a potential contribution of Bartonella spp. infection to SCZ/SAD.}, number={6}, journal={VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES}, author={Lashnits, Erin and Maggi, Ricardo and Jarskog, Fredrik and Bradley, Julie and Breitschwerdt, Edward and Frohlich, Flavio}, year={2021}, month={Jun}, pages={413–421} }
 @article{breitschwerdt_greenberg_maggi_mozayeni_lewis_bradley_2019, title={Bartonella henselae Bloodstream Infection in a Boy With Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome}, volume={11}, ISSN={1179-5735 1179-5735}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1179573519832014}, DOI={10.1177/1179573519832014}, abstractNote={With the advent of more sensitive culture and molecular diagnostic testing modalities, Bartonella spp. infections have been documented in blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid specimens from patients with diverse neurological symptoms. Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is characterized by an unusually abrupt onset of cognitive, behavioral, or neurological symptoms. Between October 2015 and January 2017, a 14-year-old boy underwent evaluation by multiple specialists for sudden-onset psychotic behavior (hallucinations, delusions, suicidal and homicidal ideation).In March 2017, Bartonella spp. serology (indirect fluorescent antibody assays) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, DNA sequencing, and Bartonella enrichment blood culture were used on a research basis to assess Bartonella spp. exposure and bloodstream infection, respectively. PCR assays targeting other vector-borne infections were performed to assess potential co-infections.For 18 months, the boy remained psychotic despite 4 hospitalizations, therapeutic trials involving multiple psychiatric medication combinations, and immunosuppressive treatment for autoimmune encephalitis. Neurobartonellosis was diagnosed after cutaneous lesions developed. Subsequently, despite nearly 2 consecutive months of doxycycline administration, Bartonella henselae DNA was PCR amplified and sequenced from the patient's blood, and from Bartonella alphaproteobacteria growth medium enrichment blood cultures. B henselae serology was negative. During treatment with combination antimicrobial chemotherapy, he experienced a gradual progressive decrease in neuropsychiatric symptoms, cessation of psychiatric drugs, resolution of Bartonella-associated cutaneous lesions, and a return to all pre-illness activities.This case report suggests that B henselae bloodstream infection may contribute to progressive, recalcitrant neuropsychiatric symptoms consistent with PANS in a subset of patients.}, journal={Journal of Central Nervous System Disease}, publisher={SAGE Publications}, author={Breitschwerdt, Edward B and Greenberg, Rosalie and Maggi, Ricardo G and Mozayeni, B Robert and Lewis, Allen and Bradley, Julie M}, year={2019}, month={Jan}, pages={117957351983201} }
 @article{breitschwerdt_maggi_quach_bradley_2019, title={Bartonella spp. Bloodstream Infection in a Canadian Family}, volume={19}, ISSN={1530-3667 1557-7759}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2018.2353}, DOI={10.1089/vbz.2018.2353}, abstractNote={Historically, Bartonella spp. have been associated with febrile illness (Oroya fever, trench fever, and cat scratch disease), endocarditis (numerous Bartonella spp.), and vasoproliferative lesions (Bartonella bacilliformis, Bartonella quintana, Bartonella henselae, and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii), occurring most often but not exclusively in immunocompromised patients. Recently, bloodstream infections with various Bartonella spp. have been documented in nonimmunocompromised individuals in association with a spectrum of cardiovascular, neurologic, and rheumatologic symptoms. As documented in this family, symptoms for which the medical implications remain unclear can occur in multiple family members infected with one or more Bartonella spp. Serial serologic and molecular microbiological findings supported exposure to or infection with Bartonella spp. in all seven family members. Either antibiotics failed to eliminate bacteremic infection, resulted in partial resolution of symptoms, or potentially reinfection occurred during the 19-month study period. There is a substantial need for clinical research to clarify the extent to which Bartonella spp. bacteremia induces nonspecific cardiovascular, neurologic, or rheumatologic symptoms, for ongoing improvement in the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic testing, and clarification as to if, when, and how to treat patients with documented Bartonella spp. bacteremia.}, number={4}, journal={Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases}, publisher={Mary Ann Liebert Inc}, author={Breitschwerdt, Edward B. and Maggi, Ricardo G. and Quach, Caroline and Bradley, Julie M.}, year={2019}, month={Apr}, pages={234–241} }
 @article{southern_neupane_ericson_dencklau_linder_bradley_mckeon_long_breitschwerdt_2018, title={Bartonella henselae
 in a dog with ear tip vasculitis}, volume={29}, ISSN={0959-4493}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/vde.12695}, DOI={10.1111/vde.12695}, abstractNote={Bartonella henselae, a Gram-negative, zoonotic, alpha-proteobacteria has been previously implicated in association with cutaneous vasoproliferative lesions (bacillary angiomatosis), nodular panniculitis and multifocal erythema (erythema multiforme) in dogs.Describe clinical, microbiological and histological lesions in a dog with ear margin vasculitis and B. henselae infection.A 12-month-old, specific pathogen-free intact female beagle dog maintained in a vector-free laboratory animal resource facility.Bartonella and Rickettsia serological evaluation, Bartonella and Rickettsia PCR, Bartonella alpha-proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) enrichment blood culture/PCR, histopathological investigation and confocal immunohistochemical evaluation.Serological investigation (seroreversion) and PCR testing of aural tissue biopsies failed to support Rickettsia rickettsii as a cause of the aural vasculitis; however, B. henselae, genotype San Antonio 2 DNA was amplified and sequenced from both ear tip margins and from normal-appearing abdominal skin. Seroconversion to B. henselae was documented retrospectively by IFA testing. Bartonella henselae organisms were visualized by confocal immunostaining within all three biopsies. Histopathology revealed small vessel necrotizing vasculitis and dermal necrosis. Bartonella henselae seroreversion and complete resolution of skin lesions occurred in conjunction with administration of oral doxycycline and enrofloxacin for six weeks.Bartonella henselae is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that has been associated with leucocytoclastic vasculitis in humans and may have had a contributing or causative role in the development of the cutaneous aural margin vasculitis in this beagle.}, number={6}, journal={Veterinary Dermatology}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Southern, Brittany L. and Neupane, Pradeep and Ericson, Marna E. and Dencklau, Jamie C. and Linder, Keith E. and Bradley, Julie M. and McKeon, Gabriel P. and Long, Charles T. and Breitschwerdt, Edward B.}, year={2018}, month={Oct}, pages={537–e180} }
 @article{mozayeni_maggi_bradley_breitschwerdt_2018, title={Rheumatological presentation of Bartonella koehlerae and Bartonella henselae bacteremias}, volume={97}, ISSN={0025-7974}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000010465}, DOI={10.1097/md.0000000000010465}, abstractNote={Systemic Bartonella spp. infections are being increasingly reported in association with complex medical presentations. Individuals with frequent arthropod exposures or animal contact appear to be at risk for acquiring long standing infections with Bartonella spp.This case report describes infections with Bartonella koehlerae and Bartonella henselae in a female veterinarian whose symptoms were predominantly rheumatologic in nature. Infection was confirmed by serology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enrichment blood culture, and DNA sequencing of amplified B koehlerae and B henselae DNA. Long-term medical management with antibiotics was required to achieve elimination of these infections and was accompanied by resolution of the patient's symptoms. Interestingly, the patient experienced substantial improvement in the acquired joint hypermobility mimicking Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) type III.To facilitate early and directed medical interventions, systemic bartonellosis should potentially be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with incalcitrant rheumatological symptoms and frequent arthropod exposures or extensive animal contact.}, number={17}, journal={Medicine}, publisher={Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)}, author={Mozayeni, Bobak Robert and Maggi, Ricardo Guillermo and Bradley, Julie Meredith and Breitschwerdt, Edward Bealmear}, year={2018}, month={Apr}, pages={e0465} }
 @article{oteo_maggi_portillo_bradley_garcía-álvarez_san-martín_roura_breitschwerdt_2017, title={Prevalence of Bartonella spp. by culture, PCR and serology, in veterinary personnel from Spain}, volume={10}, ISSN={1756-3305}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13071-017-2483-z}, DOI={10.1186/s13071-017-2483-z}, abstractNote={The genus Bartonella includes fastidious, facultative intracellular bacteria mainly transmitted by arthropods and distributed among mammalian reservoirs. Bartonella spp. implicated as etiological agents of zoonoses are increasing. Apart from the classical Bartonella henselae, B. bacilliformis or B. quintana, other species (B. elizabethae, B. rochalimae, B. vinsonii arupensis and B. v. berkhoffii, B. tamiae or B. koehlerae, among others) have also been associated with human and/or animal diseases. Laboratory techniques for diagnosis (culture, PCR assays and serology) usually show lack of sensitivity. Since 2005, a method based on a liquid enrichment Bartonella alphaproteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) followed by PCRs for the amplification of Bartonella spp. has been developed. We aimed to assess culture, molecular and serological prevalence of Bartonella infections in companion animal veterinary personnel from Spain.Each of 89 participants completed a questionnaire. Immunofluorescence assays (IFA) using B. vinsonii berkhoffii (genotypes I, II and III), B. henselae, B. quintana and B. koehlerae as antigens were performed. A cut-off of 1:64 was selected as a seroreactivity titer. Blood samples were inoculated into BAPGM and subcultured onto blood agar plates. Bartonella spp. was detected using conventional and quantitative real-time PCR assays and DNA sequencing.Among antigens corresponding to six Bartonella spp. or genotypes, the lowest seroreactivity was found against B. quintana (11.2%) and the highest, against B. v. berkhoffii genotype III (56%). A total of 27% of 89 individuals were not seroreactive to any test antigen. Bartonella spp. IFA seroreactivity was not associated with any clinical sign or symptom. DNA from Bartonella spp., including B. henselae (n = 2), B. v. berkhoffii genotypes I (n = 1) and III (n = 2), and B. quintana (n = 2) was detected in 7/89 veterinary personnel. PCR and DNA sequencing findings were not associated with clinical signs or symptoms. No co-infections were observed. One of the two B. henselae PCR-positive individuals was IFA seronegative to all tested antigens whereas the other one was not B. henselae seroreactive. The remaining PCR-positive individuals were seroreactive to multiple Bartonella spp. antigens.High serological and molecular prevalences of exposure to, or infection with, Bartonella spp. were found in companion animal veterinary personnel from Spain. More studies using BAPGM enrichment blood culture and PCR are needed to clarify the finding of Bartonella PCR-positive individuals lacking clinical symptoms.}, number={1}, journal={Parasites & Vectors}, publisher={Springer Nature}, author={Oteo, José A. and Maggi, Ricardo and Portillo, Aránzazu and Bradley, Julie and García-Álvarez, Lara and San-Martín, Montserrat and Roura, Xavier and Breitschwerdt, Edward}, year={2017}, month={Nov} }
 @article{greene_royal_bradley_lascelles_johnson_hawkins_2017, title={Severity of Nasal Inflammatory Disease Questionnaire for Canine Idiopathic Rhinitis Control: Instrument Development and Initial Validity Evidence}, volume={31}, ISSN={["1939-1676"]}, url={https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14629}, DOI={10.1111/jvim.14629}, abstractNote={Effective treatments are needed for idiopathic chronic rhinitis in dogs, but assessment of efficacy requires a practical, quantifiable method for assessing severity of disease.To develop and perform initial validity and reliability testing of an owner-completed questionnaire for assessing clinical signs and dog and owner quality of life (QOL) in canine chronic rhinitis.Twenty-two dogs with histopathologically confirmed chronic rhinitis and 72 healthy dogs.In this prospective study, an online questionnaire was created based on literature review and feedback from veterinarians, veterinary internists with respiratory expertise, and owners of dogs with rhinitis. Owners of affected dogs completed the questionnaire twice, 1 week apart, to test reliability. Healthy dogs were assessed once. Data were analyzed using the Rasch Rating Scale Model, and results were interpreted using Messick's framework for evaluating construct validity evidence.Initial item generation resulted in 5 domains: nasal signs, paranasal signs, global rhinitis severity, and dog's and owner's QOL. A 25-item questionnaire was developed using 5-point Likert-type scales. No respondent found the questionnaire difficult to complete. Strong psychometric evidence was available to support the substantive, generalizability, content, and structural aspects of construct validity. Statistical differences were found between responses for affected and control dogs for all but 2 items. These items were eliminated, resulting in the 23-item Severity of Nasal Inflammatory Disease (SNIFLD) questionnaire.The SNIFLD questionnaire provides a mechanism for repeated assessments of disease severity in dogs with chronic rhinitis.}, number={1}, journal={JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE}, publisher={Wiley-Blackwell}, author={Greene, L. M. and Royal, K. D. and Bradley, J. M. and Lascelles, B. D. X. and Johnson, L. R. and Hawkins, E. C.}, year={2017}, pages={134–141} }
 @article{maggi_balakrishnan_bradley_breitschwerdt_2015, title={Infection with Bartonella henselae in a Danish Family}, volume={53}, ISSN={0095-1137 1098-660X}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JCM.02974-14}, DOI={10.1128/jcm.02974-14}, abstractNote={Bartonella species constitute emerging, vector-borne, intravascular pathogens that produce long-lasting bacteremia in reservoir-adapted (natural host or passive carrier of a microorganism) and opportunistic hosts. With the advent of more sensitive and specific diagnostic tests, there is evolving microbiological evidence supporting concurrent infection with one or more Bartonella spp. in more than one family member; however, the mode(s) of transmission to or among family members remains unclear. In this study, we provide molecular microbiological evidence of Bartonella henselae genotype San Antonio 2 (SA2) infection in four of six Danish family members, including a child who died of unknown causes at 14 months of age.}, number={5}, journal={Journal of Clinical Microbiology}, publisher={American Society for Microbiology}, author={Maggi, Ricardo G. and Balakrishnan, Nandhakumar and Bradley, Julie M. and Breitschwerdt, Edward B.}, editor={Fenwick, B. W.Editor}, year={2015}, month={Mar}, pages={1556–1561} }
 @article{bradley_mascarelli_trull_maggi_breitschwerdt_2014, title={Bartonella henselae Infections In An Owner and Two Papillon Dogs Exposed to Tropical Rat Mites (Ornithonyssus bacoti)}, volume={14}, ISSN={1530-3667 1557-7759}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2013.1492}, DOI={10.1089/vbz.2013.1492}, abstractNote={After raccoons were trapped and removed from under a house in New York, the owner and her two Papillon dogs became infested with numerous rat mites (Ornithonyssus bacoti). Two weeks later, both dogs developed pruritus, progressively severe vesicular lesions, focal areas of skin exfoliation, swelling of the vulva or prepuce, abdominal pain, and behavioral changes. Two months after the mite infestation, the owner was hospitalized because of lethargy, fatigue, uncontrollable panic attacks, depression, headaches, chills, swollen neck lymph nodes, and vesicular lesions at the mite bite sites. Due to ongoing illness, 3 months after the mite infestation, alcohol-stored mites and blood and serum from both dogs and the owner were submitted for Bartonella serology and Bartonella alpha Proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) enrichment blood culture/PCR. Bartonella henselae DNA was amplified and sequenced from blood or culture specimens derived from both dogs, the owner, and pooled rat mites. Following repeated treatments with doxycycline, both dogs eventually became B. henselae seronegative and blood culture negative and clinical signs resolved. In contrast, the woman was never B. henselae seroreactive, but was again PCR positive for B. henselae 20 months after the mite infestation, despite prior treatment with doxycycline. Clinicians and vector biologists should consider the possibility that rat mites may play a role in Bartonella spp. transmission.}, number={10}, journal={Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases}, publisher={Mary Ann Liebert Inc}, author={Bradley, Julie M. and Mascarelli, Patricia E. and Trull, Chelsea L. and Maggi, Ricardo G. and Breitschwerdt, Edward B.}, year={2014}, month={Oct}, pages={703–709} }
 @article{hegarty_bradley_lappin_balakrishnan_mascarelli_breitschwerdt_2013, title={Analysis of Seroreactivity against Cell Culture-DerivedBartonellaspp. Antigens in Dogs}, volume={28}, ISSN={0891-6640}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12263}, DOI={10.1111/jvim.12263}, abstractNote={Background

Little is known about the specificity of Bartonella spp. immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) assays in dogs. Bacteremia in sick dogs most often has been associated with Bartonella henselae (Bh), Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii (Bvb), and Bartonella koehlerae (Bk). Clarification of the diagnostic utility of IFA serology when testing against these organisms is needed.



Objective

To evaluate the specificity of Bartonella IFA assays utilizing 6 cell culture–grown antigen preparations.



Animals

Archived sera from SPF dogs (n = 29) and from dogs experimentally infected with Bvb (n = 10) and Bh (n = 3).



Methods

Antibodies (Abs) to Bvb genotypes I, II, and III, Bh serotype I, strains H-1 and SA2, and to Bk were determined by IFA testing.



Results

Serum from naive SPF dogs shown to be negative for Bartonella bacteremia did not react with any of the 6 Bartonella antigens by IFA testing. Dogs experimentally infected with Bvb genotype I developed Abs against homologous antigens, with no cross-reactivity to heterologous Bvb genotypes, Bh H-1, SA2 strains, or to Bk. Dogs experimentally infected with Bh serotype I developed Abs against Bh H-1, but not to Bh SA2 strain with no cross-reactive Abs to Bvb genotypes I–III or to Bk.



Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Bartonella spp. Ab responses during acute experimental infections are species and type specific.}, number={1}, journal={Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Hegarty, B.C. and Bradley, J.M. and Lappin, M.R. and Balakrishnan, N. and Mascarelli, P.E. and Breitschwerdt, E.B.}, year={2013}, month={Dec}, pages={38–41} }
 @article{maggi_ericson_mascarelli_bradley_breitschwerdt_2013, title={Bartonella henselae bacteremia in a mother and son potentially associated with tick exposure}, volume={6}, ISSN={1756-3305}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1756-3305-6-101}, DOI={10.1186/1756-3305-6-101}, abstractNote={Bartonella henselae is a zoonotic, alpha Proteobacterium, historically associated with cat scratch disease (CSD), but more recently associated with persistent bacteremia, fever of unknown origin, arthritic and neurological disorders, and bacillary angiomatosis, and peliosis hepatis in immunocompromised patients. A family from the Netherlands contacted our laboratory requesting to be included in a research study (NCSU-IRB#1960), designed to characterize Bartonella spp. bacteremia in people with extensive arthropod or animal exposure. All four family members had been exposed to tick bites in Zeeland, southwestern Netherlands. The mother and son were exhibiting symptoms including fatigue, headaches, memory loss, disorientation, peripheral neuropathic pain, striae (son only), and loss of coordination, whereas the father and daughter were healthy.Each family member was tested for serological evidence of Bartonella exposure using B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotypes I-III, B. henselae and B. koehlerae indirect fluorescent antibody assays and for bacteremia using the BAPGM enrichment blood culture platform.The mother was seroreactive to multiple Bartonella spp. antigens and bacteremia was confirmed by PCR amplification of B. henselae DNA from blood, and from a BAPGM blood agar plate subculture isolate. The son was not seroreactive to any Bartonella sp. antigen, but B. henselae DNA was amplified from several blood and serum samples, from BAPGM enrichment blood culture, and from a cutaneous striae biopsy. The father and daughter were seronegative to all Bartonella spp. antigens, and negative for Bartonella DNA amplification.Historically, persistent B. henselae bacteremia was not thought to occur in immunocompetent humans. To our knowledge, this study provides preliminary evidence supporting the possibility of persistent B. henselae bacteremia in immunocompetent persons from Europe. Cat or flea contact was considered an unlikely source of transmission and the mother, a physician, reported that clinical symptoms developed following tick exposure. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a B. henselae organism has been visualized in and amplified from a striae lesion. As the tick bites occurred three years prior to documentation of B. henselae bacteremia, the mode of transmission could not be determined.}, number={1}, journal={Parasites & Vectors}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Maggi, Ricardo G and Ericson, Marna and Mascarelli, Patricia E and Bradley, Julie M and Breitschwerdt, Edward B}, year={2013}, month={Apr} }
 @article{mascarelli_maggi_hopkins_mozayeni_trull_bradley_hegarty_breitschwerdt_2013, title={Bartonella henselae infection in a family experiencing neurological and neurocognitive abnormalities after woodlouse hunter spider bites}, volume={6}, ISSN={1756-3305}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1756-3305-6-98}, DOI={10.1186/1756-3305-6-98}, abstractNote={Abstract Background Bartonella species comprise a group of zoonotic pathogens that are usually acquired by vector transmission or by animal bites or scratches. Methods PCR targeting the Bartonella 16S-23S intergenic spacer (ITS) region was used in conjunction with BAPGM (Bartonella alpha Proteobacteria growth medium) enrichment blood culture to determine the infection status of the family members and to amplify DNA from spiders and woodlice. Antibody titers to B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii ( Bvb ) genotypes I-III, B. henselae ( Bh ) and B. koehlerae ( Bk ) were determined using an IFA test. Management of the medical problems reported by these patients was provided by their respective physicians. Results In this investigation, immediately prior to the onset of symptoms two children in a family experienced puncture-like skin lesions after exposure to and presumptive bites from woodlouse hunter spiders. Shortly thereafter, the mother and both children developed hive-like lesions. Over the ensuing months, the youngest son was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre (GBS) syndrome followed by Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). The older son developed intermittent disorientation and irritability, and the mother experienced fatigue, headaches, joint pain and memory loss. When tested approximately three years after the woodlouse hunter spider infestation, all three family members were Bartonella henselae seroreactive and B. henselae DNA was amplified and sequenced from blood, serum or Bartonella alpha-proteobacteria (BAPGM) enrichment blood cultures from the mother and oldest son. Also, B. henselae DNA was PCR amplified and sequenced from a woodlouse and from woodlouse hunter spiders collected adjacent to the family’s home. Conclusions Although it was not possible to determine whether the family’s B. henselae infections were acquired by spider bites or whether the spiders and woodlice were merely accidental hosts, physicians should consider the possibility that B. henselae represents an antecedent infection for GBS, CIDP, and non-specific neurocognitive abnormalities.}, number={1}, journal={Parasites & Vectors}, publisher={Springer Nature}, author={Mascarelli, Patricia E and Maggi, Ricardo G and Hopkins, Sarah and Mozayeni, B Robert and Trull, Chelsea L and Bradley, Julie M and Hegarty, Barbara C and Breitschwerdt, Edward B}, year={2013}, pages={98} }
 @article{balakrishnan_cherry_linder_pierce_sontakke_hegarty_bradley_maggi_breitschwerdt_2013, title={Experimental infection of dogs with Bartonella henselae and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii}, volume={156}, ISSN={0165-2427}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetimm.2013.09.007}, DOI={10.1016/j.vetimm.2013.09.007}, abstractNote={The lack of a suitable infection model remains an important obstacle for the pathophysiological understanding of Bartonella spp. The following pilot study was designed to determine whether cell culture-grown Bartonella henselae SA2 and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotype III would cause persistent bacteremia in dogs. Pre-inoculation screening established that two laboratory-raised Golden retrievers were naturally-infected with Bartonella koehlerae. Despite prior infection, one dog each was inoculated subcutaneously with 5 × 10(4)B. henselae (SA2 strain) or 3 × 10(4)B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotype III. Dogs were bled weekly for serological testing and culture using Bartonella alpha proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) diagnostic platform. Dog 1 seroconverted to B. henselae and Dog 2 seroconverted to B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotype III. Throughout the study period, Bartonella spp. DNA was neither amplified nor isolated in ante-mortem BAPGM enrichment blood cultures. B. henselae SA2 was isolated from a postmortem bone marrow from Dog 1 and B. koehlerae DNA was amplified from postmortem lung from Dog 2 following BAPGM enrichment culture. Limitations include lack of uninfected controls, a potentially suboptimal B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii inoculum and a relatively short duration of study. We conclude that following intradermal infection, sequestration of Bartonella spp. in tissues may limit diagnostic detection of these bacteria in dog blood samples.}, number={1-2}, journal={Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Balakrishnan, Nandhakumar and Cherry, Natalie A. and Linder, Keith E. and Pierce, Eric and Sontakke, Neal and Hegarty, Barbara C. and Bradley, Julie M. and Maggi, Ricardo G. and Breitschwerdt, Edward B.}, year={2013}, month={Nov}, pages={153–158} }
 @article{breitschwerdt_mascarelli_schweickert_maggi_hegarty_bradley_woods_2011, title={Hallucinations, Sensory Neuropathy, and Peripheral Visual Deficits in a Young Woman Infected with Bartonella koehlerae}, volume={49}, ISSN={0095-1137 1098-660X}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JCM.00833-11}, DOI={10.1128/jcm.00833-11}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT A young woman experiencing depression, anxiety, mood swings, severe headaches, muscle spasms, interphalangeal joint stiffness, decreased peripheral vision, diminished tactile sensation, and hallucinations was persistently Bartonella koehlerae seroreactive and bacteremic. Following antibiotic treatment, B. koehlerae antibodies and DNA were not detected and all symptoms resolved.}, number={9}, journal={Journal of Clinical Microbiology}, publisher={American Society for Microbiology}, author={Breitschwerdt, Edward B. and Mascarelli, Patricia E. and Schweickert, Lori A. and Maggi, Ricardo G. and Hegarty, Barbara C. and Bradley, Julie M. and Woods, Christopher W.}, year={2011}, month={Aug}, pages={3415–3417} }
 @article{breitschwerdt_hegarty_maggi_lantos_aslett_bradley_2011, title={Rickettsia rickettsii transmission by a lone star tick, North Carolina}, volume={17}, number={5}, journal={Emerging Infectious Diseases}, author={Breitschwerdt, E. B. and Hegarty, B. C. and Maggi, R. G. and Lantos, P. M. and Aslett, D. M. and Bradley, J. M.}, year={2011}, pages={873–875} }
 @article{breitschwerdt_maggi_lantos_woods_hegarty_bradley_2010, title={Bartonella vinsonii subsp berkhoffii and Bartonella henselae bacteremia in a father and daughter with neurological disease}, volume={3}, journal={Parasites & Vectors}, author={Breitschwerdt, E. B. and Maggi, R. G. and Lantos, P. M. and Woods, C. W. and Hegarty, B. C. and Bradley, J. M.}, year={2010} }
 @article{hawkins_clay_bradley_davidian_2010, title={Demographic and Historical Findings, Including Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke, in Dogs with Chronic Cough}, volume={24}, ISSN={["1939-1676"]}, DOI={10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0530.x}, abstractNote={Background: Controlled studies investigating risk factors for the common presenting problem of chronic cough in dogs are lacking.



Hypothesis/Objectives: To identify demographic and historical factors associated with chronic cough in dogs, and associations between the characteristics of cough and diagnosis.



Animals: Dogs were patients of an academic internal medicine referral service. Coughing dogs had a duration of cough ≥2 months (n = 115). Control dogs had presenting problems other than cough (n = 104).



Methods: Owners completed written questionnaires. Demographic information and diagnoses were obtained from medical records. Demographic and historical data were compared between coughing and control dogs. Demographic data and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) also were compared with hospital accessions and adult smoking rates, respectively. Characteristics of cough were compared among diagnoses.



Results: Most coughing dogs had a diagnosis of large airway disease (n = 88; 77%). Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) was diagnosed in 59 dogs (51%), including 79% of toy breed dogs. Demographic risk factors included older age, smaller body weight, and being toy breed (P < .001). No association was found between coughing and month (P= .239) or season (P= .414) of presentation. Exposure to ETS was not confirmed to be a risk factor (P= .243). No historical description of cough was unique to a particular diagnosis.



Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Associations with age, size, and toy breeds were strong. TBM is frequent in dogs with chronic cough, but descriptions of cough should be used cautiously in prioritizing differential diagnoses. The association between exposure to ETS and chronic cough deserves additional study.}, number={4}, journal={JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE}, author={Hawkins, E. C. and Clay, L. D. and Bradley, J. M. and Davidian, M.}, year={2010}, pages={825–831} }
 @article{breitschwerdt_maggi_mozayeni_hegarty_bradley_mascarelli_2010, title={PCR amplification of Bartonella koehlerae from human blood and enrichment blood cultures}, volume={3}, journal={Parasites & Vectors}, author={Breitschwerdt, E. B. and Maggi, R. G. and Mozayeni, B. R. and Hegarty, B. C. and Bradley, J. M. and Mascarelli, P. E.}, year={2010} }
 @article{hegarty_diniz_bradley_lorentzen_breitschwerdt_2009, title={Clinical Relevance of Annual Screening Using a Commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (SNAP 3Dx) for Canine Ehrlichiosis}, volume={45}, ISSN={["1547-3317"]}, DOI={10.5326/0450118}, abstractNote={Eighty-six dogs were selected based upon Ehrlichia (E.) canis SNAP 3Dx positive results to determine clinical relevance of annual E. canis screening. Immunofluorescence assay showed 72 (84%) of 86 dogs were seroreactive for E. canis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed that 12 (14%) of 86 dogs had Ehrlichia deoxyribonucleic acid; seven had E. canis, four had E. ewingii, and one was coinfected with E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii. Thrombocytopenia (<164,000 platelets/μL) was found in 28 (39%) of 72 dogs. In this study, thrombocytopenia was frequently detected in healthy Ehrlichia SNAP 3Dx-positive dogs, whereas active infection was infrequently confirmed by PCR. Therefore, treatment based upon screening results alone is not recommended.}, number={3}, journal={JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ANIMAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION}, author={Hegarty, Barbara C. and Diniz, Pedro Paulo Vissotto de Paiva and Bradley, Julie M. and Lorentzen, Leif and Breitschwerdt, Edward}, year={2009}, pages={118–124} }
 @article{cadenas_bradley_maggi_takara_hegarty_breitschwerdt_2008, title={Molecular characterization of Bartonella vinsonii subsp berkhoffii genotype III}, volume={46}, DOI={10.1128/JCM.62456-07}, number={5}, journal={Journal of Clinical Microbiology}, author={Cadenas, M. B. and Bradley, J. and Maggi, Ricardo and Takara, M. and Hegarty, B. C. and Breitschwerdt, Edward}, year={2008}, pages={1858–1860} }
 @article{vissotto de paiva diniz_maggi_schwartz_cadenas_bradley_hegarty_breitschwerdt_2007, title={Canine bartonellosis: serological and molecular prevalence in Brazil and evidence of co-infection with Bartonella henselae and Bartonella vinsonii subsp berkhoffii}, volume={38}, ISSN={["0928-4249"]}, DOI={10.1051/vetres:2007023}, abstractNote={The purpose of this study was to determine the serological and molecular prevalence of Bartonella spp. infection in a sick dog population from Brazil. At the São Paulo State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Botucatu, 198 consecutive dogs with clinicopathological abnormalities consistent with tick-borne infections were sampled. Antibodies to Bartonella henselae and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii were detected in 2.0% (4/197) and 1.5% (3/197) of the dogs, respectively. Using 16S-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) primers, Bartonella DNA was amplified from only 1/198 blood samples. Bartonella seroreactive and/or PCR positive blood samples (n=8) were inoculated into a liquid pre-enrichment growth medium (BAPGM) and subsequently sub-inoculated onto BAPGM/blood-agar plates. PCR targeting the ITS region, pap31 and rpoB genes amplified B. henselae from the blood and/or isolates of the PCR positive dog (ITS: DQ346666; pap31 gene: DQ351240; rpoB: EF196806). B. henselae and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (pap31: DQ906160; rpoB: EF196805) co-infection was found in one of the B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii seroreactive dogs. We conclude that dogs in this study population were infrequently exposed to or infected with a Bartonella species. The B. henselae and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii strains identified in this study are genetically similar to strains isolated from septicemic cats, dogs, coyotes and human beings from other parts of the world. To our knowledge, these isolates provide the first Brazilian DNA sequences from these Bartonella species and the first evidence of Bartonella co-infection in dogs.}, number={5}, journal={VETERINARY RESEARCH}, author={Vissotto De Paiva Diniz, Pedro Paulo and Maggi, Ricardo Guillermo and Schwartz, Denise Saretta and Cadenas, Maria Belen and Bradley, Julie Meredith and Hegarty, Barbara and Breitschwerdt, Edward Bealmear}, year={2007}, pages={697–710} }
 @article{hawkins_rogala_large_bradley_grindem_2006, title={Cellular composition of bronchial brushings obtained from healthy dogs and dogs with chronic cough and cytologic composition of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from dogs with chronic cough}, volume={67}, ISSN={["1943-5681"]}, DOI={10.2460/ajvr.67.1.160}, abstractNote={Abstract Objective— To determine whether bronchial brushings from dogs with chronic cough have increased numbers of goblet cells and WBCs, compared with numbers for healthy dogs, or have differing WBC populations, compared with populations in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid obtained from dogs with chronic cough. Animals— 9 healthy dogs and 10 dogs with chronic cough. Procedure— Specimens were collected by use of bronchoscopy. Cellular composition was determined for brushings, and results from dogs with chronic cough were compared with those from healthy dogs. Cellular composition of brushings was compared with composition of BAL obtained from dogs with chronic cough. Results— Brushings from healthy dogs contained a median of 2.9 × 10 6 epithelial cells, comprising 100% epithelial cells (96% ciliated, 3% goblet, and 1% other) and no WBCs. Brushings from dogs with chronic cough had 4.5 × 10 6 epithelial cells, comprising 93% epithelial cells (86% ciliated, 2% goblet, and 12% other). Dogs with chronic cough had significantly greater percentages of WBCs (7%) and neutrophils (6%), compared with values for healthy dogs. Five dogs with chronic cough had no neutrophilic inflammation evident in BAL, but 4 of these had evidence of neutrophilic inflammation in brushings. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance— Neutrophils, but not goblet cells, were increased in brushings from dogs with chronic cough. Analysis of bronchial brushings provides information about airway inflammation that differs from that found by examination of BAL in some dogs with chronic cough and is a more sensitive indicator of airway inflammation than cytologic examination of BAL in these dogs.}, number={1}, journal={AMERICAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH}, author={Hawkins, EC and Rogala, AR and Large, EE and Bradley, JM and Grindem, CB}, year={2006}, month={Jan}, pages={160–167} }
 @article{solano-gallego_bradley_hegarty_sigmon_breitschwerdt_2004, title={Bartonella henselae IgG antibodies are prevalent in dogs from southeastern USA}, volume={35}, ISSN={["0928-4249"]}, DOI={10.1051/vetres:2004034}, abstractNote={In contrast to the large body of literature regarding Bartonella henselae in humans and cats, there is little information about B. henselae as an infectious agent in dogs. Due to the paucity of information regarding the B. henselae serology in dogs, we performed a cross-sectional serosurvey using B. henselae antigen in order to compare the seroprevalence between sick and healthy dogs from the south-eastern USA. Ninety-nine sera were collected from clinically healthy dogs. Three hundred and one sera from sick dogs were submitted to North Carolina State University for serologic screening against a panel of arthropod-transmitted organisms. Serological tests were performed using B. henselae (Bh), Rickettsia rickettsii (Rr), Ehrlichia canis (Ec), Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii (Bvb), Babesia canis (Bc) and Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) antigens. Serum B. henselae IgG antibodies were detected in 10.1% of healthy dogs and in 27.2% of sick dogs. The difference in seroprevalence between the two groups was statistically significant. The majority of seroreactive dogs (80%) had low titers of 1:64 or 1:128. In healthy dogs, seroprevalence for Rr was 14.1% and for Bvb was 1%. In sick dogs, Rr seroprevalence was 29.7%, Ec 6.5%, Bvb 4.7%, Bb 1.7% and Bc was 0.85%. Of the sick dogs that were seroreactive to B. henselae antigens, 40.6% were also seroreactive to Rr, 15.0% reactive to Bvb antigens, 14.8% reactive to Ec antigens, 1.8% reactive to Bc antigens and 1.75% reactive to Bb antigens. Sera from dogs experimentally infected with B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, E. canis or R. rickettsii did not cross react with B. henselae antigens, by IFA testing. This study indicates that B. henselae IgG antibodies are prevalent in healthy and sick dogs living in the south-eastern USA. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical and zoonotic relevance of B. henselae infection in dogs.}, number={5}, journal={VETERINARY RESEARCH}, author={Solano-Gallego, L and Bradley, J and Hegarty, B and Sigmon, B and Breitschwerdt, E}, year={2004}, pages={585–595} }
 @article{williams_van steenhouse_bradley_hancock_hegarty_breitschwerdt_2002, title={Naturally OccurringEhrlichia chaffeensisInfection in Two Prosimian Primate Species: Ring-tailed Lemurs (Lemur catta) and Ruffed Lemurs (Varecia variegata)}, volume={8}, ISSN={1080-6040 1080-6059}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid0812.020085}, DOI={10.3201/eid0812.020085}, abstractNote={A naturally occurring infection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis in lemurs is described. DNA of Ehrlichia chaffeensis was identified by polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood from six of eight clinically ill lemurs. Organisms were cultured from the blood of one lemur exhibiting clinical and hematologic abnormalities similar to those of humans infected with E. chaffeensis.}, number={12}, journal={Emerging Infectious Diseases}, publisher={Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)}, author={Williams, Cathy V. and Van Steenhouse, Jan L. and Bradley, Julie M. and Hancock, Susan I. and Hegarty, Barbara C. and Breitschwerdt, Edward B.}, year={2002}, month={Dec}, pages={1497–1500} }
 @article{breitschwerdt_sontakke_cannedy_hancock_bradley_2001, title={Infection with Bartonella weissii and Detection of Nanobacterium Antigens in a North Carolina Beef Herd}, volume={39}, ISSN={0095-1137}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JCM.39.3.879-882.2001}, DOI={10.1128/JCM.39.3.879-882.2001}, abstractNote={Very recently, Bartonella organisms have been isolated from large ruminants (deer, elk, and dairy and beef cattle) located in the United States and in France. In this study, we report the serologic, microbiologic, and molecular findings related to the isolation of a Bartonella species in North Carolina beef cattle and the detection of nanobacterial antigen using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Between August 1998 and September 1999, blood was collected from 38 cattle ranging in age from 1 month to 6.5 years. After a 1-month incubation period, a Bartonella sp. was isolated on a 5% rabbit blood agar plate from three of six EDTA blood samples. PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene from all three isolates resulted in a DNA sequence that was 100% identical to that of B. weissii 16S rRNA (GenBank no. AF199502). By IFA testing, 36 of 38 cattle had antibodies (> or =1:64) to Bartonella weissii (bovine origin) antigens. Nanobacterial antigen was detected in 22 of 22 serum samples. We conclude that infection with an organism similar or closely related to B. weissii can occur in North Carolina cattle and that although their actual existence is still controversial Nanobacterium antigens were detected with a commercially available test kit. The epidemiology, vector biology, and potential pathogenicity of these organisms in cattle deserve future consideration.}, number={3}, journal={Journal of Clinical Microbiology}, publisher={American Society for Microbiology}, author={Breitschwerdt, E. B. and Sontakke, S. and Cannedy, A. and Hancock, S. I. and Bradley, J. M.}, year={2001}, month={Mar}, pages={879–882} }
 @article{rotstein_taylor_bradley_breitschwerdt_2000, title={Prevalence of Bartonella henselae Antibody in Florida Panthers}, volume={36}, ISSN={0090-3558}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-36.1.157}, DOI={10.7589/0090-3558-36.1.157}, abstractNote={Serum samples from 28 free-ranging Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi) and seven mountain lions from Texas (P. concolor stanleyana) living in south Florida (USA) between 1997 to 1998 were tested for antibodies to Bartonella henselae. Twenty percent (7/35) of the samples were reactive to B. henselae antisera with a subspecies prevalence of 18% (5/ 28) for Florida panthers and 28% (2/7) for cougars from Texas (USA). There was not a significant sex related difference in infection rates among the Florida panthers. Antibody prevalence was higher in panthers <2-yr of age (40%) compared to panthers >2-yr (13%). Compared to studies of antibody prevalence in mountain lions (P. concolor) from California (USA), overall seroprevalence was lower as was prevalence in panthers >2-yr-old. However, the seroprevalence in animals <2-yr from southern Florida was similar to prevalences reported in mountain lions or domestic felids in California.}, number={1}, journal={Journal of Wildlife Diseases}, publisher={Wildlife Disease Association}, author={Rotstein, David S. and Taylor, Sharon K. and Bradley, Julie and Breitschwerdt, Edward B.}, year={2000}, month={Jan}, pages={157–160} }
 @article{kordick_breitschwerdt_hegarty_southwick_colitz_hancock_bradley_rumbough_mcpherson_maccormack_1999, title={Coinfection with multiple tick-borne pathogens in a Walker Hound kennel in North Carolina}, volume={37}, number={8}, journal={Journal of Clinical Microbiology}, author={Kordick, S. K. and Breitschwerdt, E. B. and Hegarty, B. C. and Southwick, K. L. and Colitz, C. M. and Hancock, S. I. and Bradley, J. M. and Rumbough, R. and McPherson, J. T. and MacCormack, J. N.}, year={1999}, pages={2631–2638} }