### Bartonellosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments **Causes:** Bartonellosis is caused by Bartonella bacteria, which can be transmitted from animals to humans. There are 22 known species of Bartonella, and 15 of them can infect humans. The bacteria can spread through carriers like fleas, lice, or sand flies, and also through bites or scratches from infected animals. **Symptoms:** - **Cat Scratch Disease:** Caused by Bartonella henselae, symptoms include a red bump at the infection site, swollen lymph nodes, and in severe cases, inflammation in organs like the liver or heart. - **Carrion’s Disease:** Caused by B. bacilliformis, it has two phases: Oroya fever (acute phase) with high fever and anemia, and verruga peruana (chronic phase) with skin nodules or warts. - **Trench Fever:** Caused by B. quintana, symptoms include recurrent fever, headache, dizziness, and body pain. **Treatments:** - **Cat Scratch Disease:** Mild cases may resolve on their own. Severe cases are treated with antibiotics like azithromycin, rifampin, or ciprofloxacin. - **Carrion’s Disease:** Treated with antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or chloramphenicol. Severe anemia may require blood transfusions. - **Trench Fever:** Treated with doxycycline, tetracycline, and gentamicin for 2-4 weeks. Preventive measures include avoiding bites and scratches from animals, maintaining good hygiene, and controlling flea and lice infestations.