Bartonellosis in cats: a role in uveitis?

Abstract

AbstractBartonellosis has been widely studied in human and veterinary medicine over the past two decades. Despite this fact, it remains an enigmatic disease in many ways. The causative bacteria,Bartonellaspp, are transmitted to cats by fleas and thus the prevalence in cat populations, particularly in temperate climates, is high. Most cats, whether infected naturally or experimentally, remain asymptomatic. Thus, correlating the presence of the organism to clinical disease, including uveitis, in cats has been difficult. This review summarizes what is known of the transmission and pathogenesis ofBartonellaspp in cats, the possible role of the organism in feline ocular disease, as well methods of diagnosis and treatment.