Infectiologic differential diagnosis of chronic Lyme disease and so ...

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Bartonellae are localized in erythrocytes and cause deformations of the erythrocyte
membrane [110 - 111].
The visualization of the bartonellae in erythrocytes is already being used
diagnostically, particularly also with regard to the extent of the infection [101].
However, irrefutable literature on erythrocyte infestation in chronic bartonelloses
does not exist. The diagnostic value of a new method of detecting pathogens by
means of cilia in blood smears cannot be assessed yet.
The formation of intracellular blebs subsequent to penetration into the endothelial
cells has also been determined for Bartonella quintana, i.e. a similar process to that
in Lyme disease. Moreover, Borrelia burgdorferi also has a high affinity for
endothelial cells, and the development of blebs, particularly in chronic disorders, has
been described. In connection with Lyme disease, the intracellular presence of the
pathogen and the formation of biologically less active eukaryotic forms (cyst forms,
blebs) have been discussed as the cause of the failure of antibiotic treatment. In
addition, parallels between Lyme disease and bartonellosis have been found [cf.
112 - 117].
Table 8
Symptomatology of bartonellosis
Transmission modes /Vectors:
Bite or scratch wounds (dog, cat)
(saliva, claws)
Flea bites
Flea feces (oral)
Lice
Flies
Gadflies
Dust mites
Blood transfusions
Mother-child transmission