ISSN:
1432-2307
Keywords:
Cat scratch disease
;
Epidemiology
;
Ultrastructure
;
Bacterial morphology
;
Warthin-Starry stain
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The aetiological agent of cat scratch disease (CSD) has been unknown for more than 30 years. Recently, a micro-organism clearly shown with Warthin-Starry silver (W-S) stain was found and thought to be a possible cause of the disease. In this study, 32 cases of regional lymphadenopathy histologically compatible with CSD and 20 contrasting cases of lymphadenopathy were examined retrospectively with W-S stain. W-S positive pleomorphic organisms were clearly demonstrated in 20 of the 32 suspected cases of CSD, but in none of the other cases. The onset of disease in these 20 cases with W-S positive organisms occurred between July and January. This seasonal variation in the onset of disease was highly significant (P〈0.005) and was not due to a single epidemic. Moreover, some characteristic morphological features of the organism were found by electron microscopic observations. Ultrastructurally, the organism was a bacterium showing a chain-like arrangement, septal formation, branching and clubbed ends.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00844292
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