Indirect Immunofluorescent Assay (IFA) - IgG

Detection of IgG antibodies to Bartonella henselae by IFA.

• Bacillary angiomatosis
• Cat scratch disease

Fresh human serum.

Minimum volume required is 0.25 mL.

Hyperlipaemic, haemolysed or contaminated sera may yield erroneous results.

Collect blood in serum separator tubes.

Transfer an aliquot of serum to a 1.5 mL screw-top vial with O-ring (Sarstedt vial). Store specimen refrigerated up to five days or store frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen on dry ice or wet ice.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Clinical manifestations of B. henselae infection, also referred to as “Cat scratch disease” (CSD), may include localized infections such as subacute regional lymphadenopathy, skin lesions, musculoskeletal lesions, culture-negative endocarditis, and uveitis and retinitis; however systemic manifestations are also common resulting in symptoms of fever, meningitis, osteomyelitis and arthritis.

B. henselae may cause bacillary angiomatosis in immunocompromised individuals such as those with advanced HIV. 

Completed ‘Requisition for Diagnostic Testing for Selected Zoonotic Agents - Serology’. If possible, include the clinical history and lab results performed at local or provincial laboratories.

Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type, have insufficient volume or are not accompanied by relevant patient information or clinical history.

Commercial IFA kit. Human sera are screened for IgG antibodies to B. henselae and B. quintana at a dilution of 1:64. Samples reactive at the screening dilution are titrated to determine end-point titre.

An IgG endpoint greater than 1:64 may be considered evidence of past exposure to Bartonella however; an IgG endpoint titre > 1:256 on a single sample, or a four-fold increase in IgG titres between two serum samples drawn at least two weeks apart, is considered presumptive evidence of a recent or current infection.

There is extensive cross-reactivity between Bartonella species; therefore the serological differentiation between B. henselae and B. quintana may not be possible. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical history and symptoms.

Initiation of antibiotic treatment prior to testing may result in decreased antibody production which will affect the outcome of serological testing.

21 calendar days.

1. Chomel B, Boulouis HJ, Maruyama S, Breitschwerdt EB. Bartonella spp. in pets and effect on human health. (2006) Emerg. Infect. Dis. (12):389-394.
2. Raoult D. From cat scratch disease to Bartonella henselae infection. (2007) Clin. Infect. Dis. (45):1541-1542.

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – Bartonella henselae