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North Carolina State University (USA) Bartonellosis: Diagnosing a Stealth Pathogen - April 23, 2013 “NC State professor of veterinary internal medicine Ed Breitschwerdt has spent the last couple of decades working with Bartonella, bacteria historically associated with “cat scratch disease.” Bartonella is increasingly recognized as a cause of persistent intravascular infection that can result in severe health effects. Research from Breitschwerdt’s laboratory and others has led to the discovery of more than 30 new Bartonella species, as well as numerous chronically infected animal “reservoirs” for the bacteria and a variety of insects that can transmit Bartonella to both humans and animals. Bartonella species are “stealth pathogens” – that is, bacteria that can survive undetected for years in the human body. These bacteria infect red blood cells, but can also live in the endothelial cells – the cells that line blood vessels and organs. Because Bartonella species can survive for such a long time within the blood stream and tissues, the symptoms of bartonellosis can take very divergent paths, resulting in “nonspecific” symptoms and an infection that is quite difficult to diagnose, let alone treat. ...” Please read entire article at: http://web.ncsu.edu/abstract/science/tpbartonellosis-diagnosis/ Permission to post granted by: Tracey PeakeCommunications SpecialistNC State News Services919/515-6142