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RALEIGH, NC – A groundbreaking case study conducted by researchers at North Carolina State University has revealed the presence of Bartonella henselae and two species of Babesia in the brain tissue of a young child suffering from seizures and suspected Rasmussen’s encephalitis. The findings, published in the Journal of Central Nervous System Disease, suggest a potential link between these pathogens and complex neurological illnesses.
The child, who had experienced facial scratches from a feral cat at the age of two, developed seizures two years after an insect bite and subsequent rash. Six years after the cat scratch, researchers at NC State were asked to analyze blood and brain biopsy samples from the patient.
Initial blood tests for Bartonella and Borrelia DNA, conducted in January 2022, yielded negative results. However, in June 2022, brain biopsy samples were tested for Bartonella and Babesia due to the insect bite and rash. Using advanced molecular techniques, researchers detected DNA of Bartonella henselae, Babesia odocoilei, and Babesia divergens-like MO-1 in the brain tissue. Notably, the two Babesia species were also found in the patient’s previously submitted blood samples.
“The interesting lesson we learned from this particular case was that Bartonella DNA was not detected in the initially tested blood samples, despite detection of the organisms’ DNA in the brain tissue culture samples,” said Edward Breitschwerdt, Melanie S. Steele Distinguished Professor of Internal Medicine at NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine and lead author of the study.
Breitschwerdt explained that the brain is typically considered an “immune privileged site,” making it difficult for infections to penetrate. However, the observed neurological changes on the same side of the brain as the facial scratches, combined with the known association between Bartonella and neurological issues, suggest a potential link.
“The other unexpected piece to this puzzle is the potential effect of the Babesia infection,” Breitschwerdt added. “Unfortunately, there is minimal information on acute babesiosis with these two novel human pathogens and neurological disease and essentially none on the role of chronic Babesia infection and neurological symptoms. So, we need to ask ourselves going forward what we may be missing in cases like this child.”
Bartonella bacteria are primarily transmitted through arthropods like fleas, lice, and potentially ticks, as well as through infected animals. Babesia protozoa, similar to malaria, infect red blood cells and are mainly transmitted through tick bites. Both are often suspected as co-infections with Lyme disease.
The researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into the role of these pathogens in neurological disorders.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on a single case study and should not be interpreted as conclusive evidence of a causal link between Bartonella and Babesia infections and seizures or Rasmussen’s encephalitis. More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between these pathogens and neurological conditions. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns.
