Cat-scratch disease neuroretinitis diagnosed by a polymerase chain reaction approach

PURPOSE: To assess the value of polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of cat-scratch disease neuroretinitis without conclusive serology. METHODS: Interventional case report. A 13-year-old girl developed a right n euroretinitis 2 months after a cat scratch. Despite the lack of accompanyin g features, an infection by Bartonella henselae was suspected and a systemi c check-up was performed. RESULTS: Serologic results excluded other proposed ori. gins but were insuf ficient in making the diagnosis because of low B. henselae specific IgG lev el in serum. A polymerase chain reaction analysis for B. henselae DNA in a small axillary lymphadenopathy aspirate enabled us to achieve a definitive diagnosis of cat,scratch disease. CONCLUSION: Polymerase chain reaction is a valuable method of diagnosing ca t scratch disease when serology is considered negative or borderline. (C) 2 001 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.