Final answer:
Bartonella henselae is associated with cat-scratch disease (CSD), a bacterial infection caused by B. henselae. CSD is transmitted through cat bites or scratches and can lead to symptoms such as swelling, pain, fever, and fatigue. It can be diagnosed using various laboratory tests.
Step-by-step explanation:
The viral association with Bartonella henselae is related to a bacterial infection called cat-scratch disease (CSD) or cat-scratch fever. CSD is caused by the gram-negative bacterium B. henselae, which is introduced to the lymph nodes when a human is bitten or scratched by a cat.
When a cat ingests flea feces containing B. henselae while grooming, it can become infected. Humans, in turn, can become infected when flea feces or cat saliva containing B. henselae is introduced at the site of a bite or scratch. The bacteria then infects red blood cells.
The infection can result in symptoms such as swelling, pain, fever, chills, and fatigue. Most cases of CSD are mild and self-limiting, but immunocompromised patients may develop more severe conditions. The diagnosis of CSD can be challenging, but immunofluorescence, serological tests, PCR, and gene sequencing can be used to identify the bacterial species.