Pseudoinfectious mononucleosis: a presentation of Bartonella henselae infection

Six children presented during one year with clinical features of infectious mononucleosis, but with laboratory findings of leucocytosis with neutrophi lia, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and hypergammaglobulinaemia. Serology for Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, and Toxoplas ma gondii was negative, while anti-Bartonella henselae IgM with high IgG ti tre (greater than or equal to1/1024) was present in all. All children had c ontact with kittens. No specific treatment was administered and all recover ed.