Query: NC_005955:1259393 Bartonella quintana str. Toulouse, complete genome
Lineage: Bartonella quintana; Bartonella; Bartonellaceae; Rhizobiales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: Bartonella quintana str. Toulouse was isolated from human blood in Toulouse, France in 1993. Causative agent of trench fever. This group of alpha proteobacteria are unique among pathogens in that they cause angiogenic lesions. This organism was first identified as the causative agent of louse-born trench fever during World War I. Up to 800 000 were infected in the trenches because of the louse insect vector that was widespread due to poor sanitation. The disease is now found associated with immunocompromized patients, especially HIV patients and homeless alcoholics.
Subject: NC_014932:1232346 Bartonella clarridgeiae 73, complete genome
Lineage: Bartonella clarridgeiae; Bartonella; Bartonellaceae; Rhizobiales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: Bartonella clarridgeiae was first identified from a case of cat scratch fever in a veterinarian who had been bitten by a cat. This organism has subsequently been identified in both cats and dogs. Cats, which are infected by fleas carrying the bacteria, in turn infect humans when scratching or biting them, hence the name. A small red bump forms at the site of infection, followed 2-3 weeks later by a painful swelling of the lymph node. In immunocompromized patients, more severe progress may be observed, including encephalitis, swelling of the spleen, and heart valve infection. Approximately 24 000 cases are reported in the US each year.