Bartonella henselae Hepatic Abscesses and Associated Osteomyelitis in a Pediatric Patient

TL;DR

A 2-year-old child developed liver abscesses and bone infection from a rare Bartonella henselae infection, successfully treated with antibiotics.

Contribution

This case report highlights a rare pediatric manifestation of Bartonella henselae with hepatic abscesses and osteomyelitis.

Findings

Disseminated Bartonella henselae infection can present with hepatic abscesses and ischial osteomyelitis in immunocompetent children.

Abdominal imaging is critical for diagnosing hepatic involvement in B. henselae infections.

A 6-week course of azithromycin and rifampin successfully resolved symptoms and fluid collections in this case.

Abstract

Bartonella henselae is a Gram-negative bacillus transmitted to humans via cat saliva or scratch. Cat scratch disease, the typical clinical manifestation of B. henselae infection, presents as localized cutaneous or regional lymphadenopathy. Rare, atypical presentations, generally reflecting bloodborne disseminated disease, can include hepatosplenic, cardiac, ocular, neurologic, or musculoskeletal involvement. Here, we present a case of disseminated B. henselae with hepatic abscesses and associated ischial osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent 2-year-old male patient. Although osteomyelitis is a rare manifestation of B. henselae infection, it should be included in the differential diagnosis in pediatric patients presenting with fever of unknown origin and musculoskeletal pain, especially in the setting of cat exposure. Hepatic involvement of B. henselae infection is associated with significant morbidity; therefore, abdominal imaging is critical in the diagnostic workup. This patient was successfully treated after a 6-week course of azithromycin and rifampin, as evidenced by symptom resolution and improved fluid collections on repeat imaging. While most cases of B. henselae resolve without treatment, in severe or disseminated infection such as this case, antibiotics such as azithromycin and rifampin should be considered for treatment.

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