[Disciform keratatis caused by Bartonella henselae infection: detection of a rare ocular complication of cat-scratch disease with PCR].

BACKGROUND

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a common infectious disease, however its association with a disciforme keratitis is to our knowledge a previously unreported ocular complication.

PATIENT: A 65-year old female was treated unsuccessfully with topical antibiotics, acyclovir and corticosteroids for several weeks because of a disciforme keratitis. Repeatedly, microbiological investigations (microscopy and culture) were negative. 16S rDNA-PCR with subsequent DNA-sequencing on material obtained by corneal scrape identified Bartonella henselae. Based on this result we have initiated a treatment with topical cephotaxim and within a short period of time the cornea healed with a paracentral scar.

CONCLUSION

16S rDNA-PCR was very helpful in identifying the intracellular sited bacterium Bartonella henselae as the causative pathogen of an unusual form of disciforme keratitis.