The spelling of the word "Rochalimaea henselae" is based on its Latin origins. The first part of the name, Rochalimaea, is derived from the surname of French microbiologist Didier Raoult's colleague, Dr. Rochalimaea. The second part, henselae, is named after the patient whose blood was used to isolate the bacteria for the first time, and it was suggested by Dr. Hensel. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word would be rɒkəˈlaɪmiə hɛnzəli.
Rochalimaea henselae, also known as Bartonella henselae, is a type of gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that belongs to the family Bartonellaceae. It is primarily associated with the development of a disease called cat-scratch disease (CSD) in humans.
CSD is a relatively common bacterial infection that occurs following a scratch or bite from a cat infected with Rochalimaea henselae. The bacterium is commonly found in cats' saliva, and transmission to humans typically occurs through direct contact with an infected cat's claws or teeth. As a result, individuals who own or come into close contact with cats, particularly kittens, are at a higher risk of contracting CSD.
The symptoms of CSD typically start to manifest within 3-14 days after exposure. They commonly include a small, red papule or pustule at the site of the scratch or bite, accompanied by regional lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes), which can be painful. Other symptoms may include headache, fever, fatigue, and poor appetite. In healthy individuals, the infection often resolves spontaneously without requiring treatment, but in some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to manage severe or persistent symptoms.
In addition to CSD, Rochalimaea henselae has also been associated with other conditions, including bacillary angiomatosis and peliosis hepatis. The bacterium has a unique ability to invade and manipulate host cells, leading to the formation of vascular lesions in various organs.
In summary, Rochalimaea henselae is a bacterium that causes cat-scratch disease in humans. It is primarily transmitted through contact with infected cats and can lead to symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes and skin lesions.
The etymology of the word "Rochalimaea henselae" is as follows:
1. Rochalimaea: The term "Rochalimaea" is named after the French microbiologist Didier Raoult and his colleague Michel Drancourt. In 1991, they discovered a new species of bacteria while studying a patient with endocarditis. They named it "Rochalimaea" in honor of the French microbiologist Maxime Rocques, who had taught and mentored Dr. Raoult during his early career.
2. Henselae: The term "henselae" is derived from the Latin name Felis henselae, which means "cat-like". This particular species of bacteria was found to cause a disease called cat-scratch disease in humans.