Polymerase chain reaction detection of Bartonella henselae bacteraemia in an immunocompetent child with cat-scratch disease

A case of Bartonella henselae bacteraemia is reported in an immunocompetent 8-year-old boy with cat-scratch disease. Serology to B. henselae, diagnose d by polymerase chain reaction, was positive. DNA was extracted from periph eral whole blood and amplified with specific primers targeting the htrA gen e of B. henselae. A non-isotopic hybridization assay with a species-specifi c oligonucleotide probe was used to detect the amplified product. Conclusion The polymerase chain reaction can be used for the rapid laborato ry diagnosis of bacteraemia in cat-scratch disease.