Bacillary angiomatosis

Definition

Bacillary angiomatosis is a bacterial infection primarily caused by Bartonella henselae or Bartonella quintana, leading to vascular proliferative lesions. It often occurs in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bacillary angiomatosis is characterized by vascular lesions that can appear on the skin, liver, spleen, and other organs.
2. The primary causative agents are Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana.
3. Transmission is commonly associated with contact with cats (for Bartonella henselae) or body lice (for Bartonella quintana).
4. Immunocompromised individuals, especially those with HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk of developing bacillary angiomatosis.
5. Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as erythromycin or doxycycline.

Review Questions

• What are the primary bacteria responsible for causing bacillary angiomatosis?
• In which patient population is bacillary angiomatosis most commonly observed?
• What are common transmission vectors for Bacillary angiomatosis?

Related terms

Bartonella henselae: A bacterium that causes cat scratch disease and bacillary angiomatosis.

Bartonella quintana: A bacterium known for causing trench fever and also implicated in bacillary angiomatosis.

Erythromycin: An antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including bacillary angiomatosis.