Summary

Dr. Ed Breitschwerdt discusses his interest in Bartonella research and the challenges associated with studying this bacteria. He explains the discovery of Bartonella and its unique aspects, including the various vectors and modes of transmission. The prevalence of Bartonella and the challenges in diagnosing the infection are also discussed. Dr. Breitschwerdt highlights the difficulties in testing and diagnosing chronic Bartonella infections and the use of digital PCR for more accurate detection. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the pathophysiology of chronic Bartonella infection. The conversation explores the challenges in accurately diagnosing Bartonella infections and the differences in results from different labs. It highlights the importance of using the correct isolates of the organism for testing and the prevalence of different strains. ThKe discussion also touches on the phenomenon of patients stopping the production of antibodies to Bartonella and the interplay between acute and chronic infections. The conversation emphasizes the need for better diagnostic tests and the development of a vaccine to protect animals and humans from Bartonella infections.

Takeaways

Bartonella is a complex bacteria with various vectors and modes of transmission.

Diagnosing Bartonella infection, especially chronic cases, can be challenging.

Digital PCR is a promising tool for more accurate detection of Bartonella.

Chronic Bartonella infection can lead to a range of symptoms and recrudescence. Different labs may use different isolates of Bartonella, leading to different results in testing.

Patients may stop producing antibodies to Bartonella, making serology testing less reliable.

Exposure to Bartonella species is common, and many individuals may be asymptomatic carriers.

Bartonella infections may contribute to a spectrum of neurologic and neuropsychiatric diseases.

The development of a diagnostic test and a vaccine for Bartonella are important goals for future research.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:42 Interest in Bartonella Research

05:38 Challenges and Unique Aspects of Bartonella

08:37 Transmission of Bartonella

11:11 Vectors and Transmission to Humans

14:58 Prevalence of Bartonella and Challenges in Diagnosis

29:35 Chronic Bartonella Infection and Recrudescence

32:20 Pathophysiology of Chronic Bartonella Infection

36:06 Diagnostic Challenges and Digital PCR

41:13 Challenges in Accurate Diagnosis

42:02 Different Results from Different Labs

42:16 Different Isolates of the Organism

43:42 Prevalence of Bartonella Henselae Strains

44:41 Patients Stop Making Antibodies

45:56 Interplay Between Acute and Chronic Infections

46:45 Serofast State in Bartonella Henselae

47:21 Exposure to Bartonella Species

48:19 Testing Blood Donors for Bartonella

49:47 Role of Bartonella in Neurologic Diseases

52:43 Symptoms of Bartonella Infection

54:03 Understanding Bartonella on a Cellular Basis

57:34 Developing a Diagnostic Test for Bartonella

01:00:09 Vaccine Target for Bartonella

01:11:44 Protecting the Human-Animal Bond

01:18:03 Future Goals: Diagnostic Test and Vaccine

Dr. Ed Breitschwerdt, DVM , DACVIM

Learn more about Dr. Breitschwerdt and his work at NC State University

Learn more about Dr. Breitschwerdt’s work at Galaxy Diagnostics

Donate to the NC State Bartonella/Vector Borne Research Fund

Tom Moorcroft, DO

Learn more about Dr. Tom’s Lyme Disease Practitioner Training program.