ATYPICAL CAT-SCRATCH DISEASE - DIAGNOSIS BY A SEROLOGIC TEST FOR ROCHALIMAEA SPECIES

Three patients with atypical manifestations of cat-scratch disease (CS D) had the diagnosis supported by a newly available serologic assay fo r antibodies to Rochalimaea henselae. Previously, CSD has been a diagn osis of exclusion because no confirmatory test was readily available. Atypical or severe cases of CSD have often required detailed (and expe nsive) clinical and laboratory investigation. The use of Rochalimaea-s pecific serologic tests may help avoid extensive diagnostic testing or invasive procedures in such cases.