Bartonella henselae encephalitis in pediatric patients

Mori-Llontop L.M.; Chiara-Chilet C.; López-Revilla J. · Anales de la Facultad de Medicina (2025) · DOI: 10.15381/anales.v86i3.30331

Resumen

Cat scratch disease is a zoonosis caused by Bartonella henselae that can have clinical repercussions on the neurological system of pediatric patients; however, this involvement is rarely described in the literature. We report four cases of children without significant medical history who were treated in Lima, Peru. The clinical manifestations included encephalitis, paresis, hemiplegia, hypertonia, facial paralysis, muscle weakness, lymphadenopathy, and amaurosis. The diagnosis of cat scratch disease was confirmed by B. henselae serology (IgM and IgG). Patients were treated with betalactam antibiotics such as penicillins and cephalosporins, as well as macrolides and/or rifampicin. Cat scratch disease should be considered in previously healthy pediatric patients presenting with encephalitis.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Universidad Científica del Sur