Bartonella bacilliformis is a pathogenic bacterium that is mainly responsible for causing Carrion's disease, also known as Oroya fever. It is a gram-negative bacillus that belongs to the Bartonella genus, which includes several other species capable of causing infection in humans.
This bacterium is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected sand flies, particularly those of the Lutzomyia species. It is endemic to certain regions of South America, particularly Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, where the sand fly vectors are prevalent. Human infection occurs when an infected sand fly bites and injects B. bacilliformis into the bloodstream.
Following transmission, B. bacilliformis replicates within human red blood cells, leading to the destruction of these cells and subsequent hemolytic anemia. Infected individuals usually develop a two-stage illness characterized by severe anemia and fever, known respectively as the Oroya and verruga phases.
Oroya fever typically manifests as a sudden onset of high fever, headache, muscle pain, and malaise. As the disease progresses, it can cause complications such as hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen), jaundice, and generalized lymphadenopathy. If left untreated, Oroya fever can be fatal.
During the verruga phase, skin lesions known as verrugas develop on the face, limbs, and other parts of the body. These lesions resemble raised, reddish-purple nodules or growths, which can range in size. The verruga phase is considered less severe than the Oroya phase, but it can lead to disfigurement and scarring.
Bartonella bacilliformis is a significant public health concern in endemic areas, and prevention efforts primarily focus
