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 allows for detection of small quantities of B. henselae and B. quintana in clinical samples and for differentiation between the two based on nucleic acid differences. The method of differentiation will be beneficial in the diagnosis of disease caused by the two organisms.   

Inventors: Burt Anderson and Russell L Regnery

CDC Reference Number: E-048-92/1

USPTO Serial Number: 

Patent Number: 5,644,047