Characteristics of Bartonella spp. infections in Poland in the years 2009-2012 identified in the laboratory of National Institute of Public Health--National Institute of Hygiene.

INTRODUCTION: Various Bartonella species, (Gram-negative aerobic bacilli) are etiologic agents ofzoonotic diseases called bartonelloses, which manifest with different symptoms depending on the bacterial species, reservoir and vector. In Poland and Europe, the most common bacterial species of the genus Bartonella is Bartonella henselae. MATERIAL AND METHODS: [corrected] Serum samples derived from patients with clinical symptoms suggesting Bartonella spp. infection, sent in 2009-2012 to the Laboratory of Rickettsiae, Chlamydiae and Spirochaetes of National Institute of Public Health--National Institute of Hygiene in Warsaw were tested. Levels of specific IgM and IgG antibodies to B. henselae and B. quintana antigens were detected with indirect immunofluorescence method (IFA). RESULTS: Six hundred sixty three serum samples were examined from humans with clinical symptoms suggestive bartonellosis, in 2009-2012. Specific antibodies for B. henselae were detected in 435 patients (65.6%). IgM antibodies were found in 93 patients (21.4%) including 11 patients (2.5%) with IgM only. IgG antibodies were identified in 424 people (78.6%) of whom 342 had IgG antibodies only. The antibodies of both classes were detected in 82 people (18.9%). B. quintana infections were not found. The majority of samples for study of bartonellosis were submitted in the autumn. In patients with confirmed bartonellosis, the most common symptoms of disease were lymphadenopathy (86 people, 13%), fever (13 patients, 2%) and nodular changes in various organs (13 patients, 2%). CONCLUSIONS: Infections caused by Bartonella spp. in Poland should be monitored to acquire the information on the frequency and distribution of disease in the country and their clinical course.