Bartonella Species, an Emerging Cause of Blood-Culture-Negative Endocarditis

摘要: Since the reclassification of genus Bartonella in 1993, number species has grown from 1 to 45 currently designated members. Likewise, association different with human disease continues grow, as does range clinical presentations associated these bacteria. Among these, blood-culture-negative endocarditis stands out a common, often undiagnosed, presentation infection several species. The limitations laboratory tests resulting this underdiagnosis are discussed. varied picture and review aspects caused by presented. We also summarize current knowledge molecular basis pathogenesis, focusing on surface adhesins two that most commonly cause endocarditis, B. henselae quintana. discuss evidence important factors for autoaggregation biofilm formation Finally, we propose is critical step vegetative masses during Bartonella-mediated represents potential reservoir persistence