Cat scratch fever or bacillary angiomatosis is a bacterial disease transmitted via a cat scratch or bite. A previously unidentified, pathogenic species of Bartonella (formerly Rochalimaea), B. henselae, has been identified as the primary causative agent. A related species, B. quintana, may also produce illness in immunocompromised individuals. This invention provides a method of diagnosing cat scratch disease and bacillary angiomatosis by detecting the presence of B. henselae or an immunogenically specific determinant thereof in humans or animals.   

Inventors: Burt Anderson and Russell L Regnery

CDC Reference Number: E-048-92/0

USPTO Serial Number: 

Patent Number: 5,399,485