**Core Concept**
Bartonella henselae is a bacterium that causes a disease characterized by fever, headache, and a distinctive skin lesion, typically in children. This disease is a type of cat-scratch disease, which is transmitted through scratches or bites from infected cats.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Bartonella henselae infects the endothelial cells lining blood vessels, leading to vasculitis and the formation of a characteristic skin lesion. The bacteria also cause regional lymphadenitis, resulting in swollen lymph nodes in the affected area. The disease is typically self-limiting, but in severe cases, it can lead to complications such as osteomyelitis or encephalopathy.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because Bartonella quintana causes Trench fever, not cat-scratch disease.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because Bartonella bacilliformis causes Carrion's disease, a disease characterized by fever, anemia, and skin lesions.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because Bartonella elizabethae is a rare species that has been associated with endocarditis, but it is not the causative agent of cat-scratch disease.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Bartonella henselae is a zoonotic pathogen, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, and is typically acquired through scratches or bites from infected cats.
**Correct Answer:** C. Bartonella henselae causes cat-scratch disease.
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.