Bartonella henselae (Cat scratch disease)
General: Begins as a cutaneous red papule and develops local lymphadenopathy.
May simulate lymphogranulosa venereum or toxoplasmosis.
Gross:
Microscopic: It is a coccobacillary pleomorphic extracellular bacterium, best seen in areas of necrosis. Lymph nodes demonstrate progressive histiocytosis, follicular hyperplasia, granulomas, then abscesses classically with central/stellate necrosis and a surrounding histiocyte pallisade. Lymph node sinuses become packed with monocytoid B-cells.
Stains:
- Positive: Warthin-Starry+
- Negative:
- Suggested panel:
Images:
Cases: