Bartonella henselae (Cat scratch disease)

General: Begins as a cutaneous red papule and develops local lymphadenopathy.

May simulate lymphogranulosa venereum or toxoplasmosis.

Gross:

Microscopic: It is a coccobacillary pleomorphic extracellular bacterium, best seen in areas of necrosis. Lymph nodes demonstrate progressive histiocytosis, follicular hyperplasia, granulomas, then abscesses classically with central/stellate necrosis and a surrounding histiocyte pallisade. Lymph node sinuses become packed with monocytoid B-cells.

Stains:

• Positive: Warthin-Starry+
• Negative:
• Suggested panel:

Images:

Cases: