What infection is caused by Bartonella species?

• A. Cat scratch disease
• B. Lyme disease
• C. Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• D. Valley fever

Answer: (A)

The infection caused by Bartonella species is cat scratch disease. This condition is primarily transmitted through scratches or bites from infected cats and can lead to symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue. The pathogen involved in cat scratch disease is Bartonella henselae. Understanding this disease is essential as it highlights the role of animals, particularly domestic cats, in the transmission of certain infectious diseases to humans.

Other options represent different infections with distinct causative agents. For example, Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is associated with Rickettsia rickettsii, and Valley fever is caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis. Thus, while those other infections may involve animals or outdoor exposure, they are not linked to Bartonella species.