Bartonella, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC43397Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID BARTBCPT Code 87801

Bartonella, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood

Clinical Use

Use

This test aids in diagnosing Bartonella infection when Bartonella DNA is expected to be present in blood, particularly in cases of endocarditis. Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana are gram-negative bacilli associated with conditions such as cat scratch disease, bacillary angiomatosis, and trench fever. PCR is used for rapid identification, targeting the citrate synthase (gltA) gene of Bartonella species. Traditional diagnostic methods like Warthin-Starry staining or serology may be nonspecific or yield false negatives.

Special Instructions

If this test result is negative and there is a strong suspicion of disease, consider using the Bartonella Antibody Panel, IgG and IgM, Serum and Warthin-Starry tissue stain. A Microbiology Test Request (T244) form should accompany the specimen if not ordering electronically.

Limitations

This test does not differentiate between Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana. A negative result does not exclude the possibility of Bartonella infection, as it may be due to PCR inhibition, sequence variability, or low DNA quantities below detection limits. Test results should be correlated with clinical signs.

Test Details

New York Approved