VASE Microbiology and Disease Agents Practice Test 2026 - Free Microbiology Practice Questions and Study Guide

Bartonella henselae is a bacterium that is well-known for causing cat scratch disease, which is a type of infectious illness that often occurs after a person is scratched or bitten by a cat, particularly young kittens. The infection typically results in swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, and a raised bump at the site of the scratch.

Understanding the nature of Bartonella henselae sheds light on its pathology and mode of transmission, primarily through scratches or bites. The relationship between cats and this disease provides insights into how zoonotic infections can occur, linking animal behavior to human health.

In contrast, Q fever is caused by Coxiella burnetii, hemolytic anemia can result from various conditions but is not linked to Bartonella henselae, and anaplasmosis is associated with Anaplasma species transmitted by ticks. Each of these conditions has distinct causative agents and modes of transmission, highlighting the specificity of Bartonella henselae as the agent of cat scratch disease. This understanding is crucial in microbiology to differentiate between various infectious diseases and their respective pathogens.