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 relates to a therapeutic composition to protect a mammel from B. Henselae infection that includes an isolated B. henselae antigen and and adjuvent comprising a phosphazene polymer. Also included is a method to use such a therapeutic composition to protect a mammel from B. henselae infection. One embodiment is a method to protect a human from cat scratch disease by administering such a therapeutic composition to a domestic cat in contact with the human.   

Inventors: Kevin Karem and Russell L Regnery

CDC Reference Number: I-007-97/0

USPTO Serial Number: 

Patent Number: 5,958,414