Bartonella is the second most common Lyme co-infection, and one of the most chronically overlooked.
Bartonella is a pathogenic bacterium transmitted through ticks, fleas, lice, and, in the case of 'cat scratch fever', through bites or scratches from infected cats. It is the second most prevalent co-infection associated with Lyme disease and can also be contracted entirely independent of tick exposure. Pets, particularly cats, are primary carriers and a common source of transmission to their owners.
Symptoms include fatigue, cognitive difficulties, anxiety and mood instability, neurological symptoms, and in some cases distinctive stretch-mark-like skin lesions on the torso. Because Bartonella can be difficult to confirm even with specialized testing, clinical history and symptom presentation are important guides in identifying it as a root cause contributor.
Bartonella is a pathogenic bacteria transmitted by ticks, fleas, lice, and possibly spiders, to humans and other animals, including pets. Pets can contract it from fleas and ticks, then transmit it to their owners through scratches or bites. Cats are the main carrier of Bartonella, thus coining the more commonly known condition 'cat scratch fever.'
Bartonella is the second most common co-infection of Lyme disease, affecting 28% of people diagnosed. If you've experienced rashes, headaches, and fatigue in addition to a Lyme diagnosis, Bartonella may be involved.
Bartonella is one of the most chronically overlooked Lyme co-infections. Because its symptoms overlap significantly with Lyme disease, and because standard testing is not highly reliable, Bartonella is frequently missed even in patients who are actively being evaluated for tick-borne illness.
Testing for Bartonella is available from several specialized laboratories including the Igenex Lab Bartonella Panel (blood draw), Vibrant Wellness Tickborne Disease Panel (blood draw), and DNA Connexions (urine sample). These labs test for several different strains and use multiple markers including IgG and IgM antibodies, ELISA testing, and DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). While testing is not always required, as clinical presentation and health history can often identify the infection, a positive or negative result can provide peace of mind. Working with a practitioner to interpret results in clinical context is recommended.