| Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana |
Overview
Bacillary angiomatosis is a recently recognized entity in HIV-infected patients. It is caused by two closely related organisms: Bartonella (formerly Rochalimaea) henselae and Bartonella quintana.
Epidemiology
The epidemiology of these infections suggests zoonotic transmission.
Clinical Findings
The most common manifestation is raised, reddish, highly vascular skin lesions that can ośrnic the lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma. Fever is a common manifestation of this infection; involvement of bone, lymph nodes, and liver has also been reported.
Treatment
Responses to doxycycline, 100 mg orally twice daily, and erythromycin, 250 mg orally four times daily, have been reported. Therapy is continued for at least 14 days, and patients who are seriously ill with visceral involvement may require months of therapy.
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