Riboflavin-specific
deaminase/reductase (ribD) gene
For general laboratory and research use only
Bartonella henselae, formerly Rochalimæa), the causative agent of cat-scratch disease
(Bartonellosis) which, as the name suggests, occurs after a cat bite or scratch. The
disease is characterized by lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes) and fever.
Our assay targets the Riboflavin-specific deaminase/reductase (ribD) gene of the disease.
Bartonella henselae is a member of the class of the Bartonella genus, one of the most
common type of bacteria in the world. It infects the host cell by sticking to it using the
Trimeric Autotransporter Adhesins (TAA).
Peliosis hepatis caused by B. henselae can occur alone or develop with cutaneous
bacillary angiomatosis or bacteraemia. This systemic disease can be seen in patients
infected with HIV, or serve as a co-infection of those who have contracted Lyme disease
etc., and other immunocompromised individuals.
Bartonella infections in symptomatic pets should be confirmed by culturing the organism
from blood or tissues such as lymph node or heart valve (in cases of endocarditis) or by
amplifying Bartonella-specific sequences from tissues using qPCR. Serology using
immunofluorescence antibodies (IFA) is the most sensitive diagnostic tool for diagnosing
Bartonella exposure, but it is not useful as a means of predicting animals that may pose a
public health risk to their owners, nor identifying animals that require treatment.
People can get CSD from the scratches of domestic or feral cats, particularly kittens. Cats
can harbor infected fleas that carry Bartonella bacteria. These bacteria can be transmitted
from a cat to a person during a scratch. Some evidence suggests that CSD may be
transmitted directly to humans by the bite of infected cat fleas, although this has not been
proven.
CSD occurs worldwide and may be present wherever cats are found. Stray cats may be
more likely than pets to carry Bartonella.Ticks may carry some species of Bartonella
bacteria, but there is currently no convincing evidence that ticks can transmit Bartonella
infection to humans.
Naturally infected cats are primarily asymptomatic, subclinical carriers of Bartonella
henselae. B. henselae infections in cats, also known as feline bartonellosis, may
occasionally cause a self-limiting, transient, febrile illness that lasts for approximately 48
-72 hours. Clinical symptoms of more serious infection, although rare, include fever,
vomiting, lethargy, red eyes, swollen lymph nodes, and/or decreased appetite. Bacteremia
can persist for months with clinical signs appearing when the cat is under stress (surgery
or trauma) or concurrent with another disease.
There are currently no vaccines available for cats or dogs against Bartonella spp.
Introduction to Bartonella henselae
The PCR Max qPCR Kit for Bartonella henselae (B.henselae) genomes is designed for the
in vitro quantification of B.henselae genomes. The kit is designed to have the broadest
detection profile possible whilst remaining specific to the B.henselae genome.
The primers and probe sequences in this kit have 100% homology with a broad range of
B.henselae sequences based on a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis.
If you require further information, or have a specific question about the detection profile of
this kit then please send an e.mail to help@pcrmax.com and our bioinformatics team will
answer your question.
Kit Contents
• B.henselae specific primer/probe mix (150 reactions BROWN)
FAM labelled
• B.henselae positive control template (for Standard curve RED)
• Internal extraction control primer/probe mix (150 reactions BROWN)
VIC labelled as standard
• Internal extraction control DNA (150 reactions BLUE)
• Endogenous control primer/probe mix (150 reactions BROWN)
FAM labelled
• RNAse/DNAse free water (WHITE)
for resuspension of primer/probe mixes and internal extraction control DNA
• Template preparation buffer (YELLOW)
for resuspension of positive control template and standard curve preparation
Reagents and equipment to be supplied by the user
Real-Time PCR Instrument
DNA extraction kit
This kit designed to work well with all processes that yield high quality DNA with minimal
PCR inhibitors.
Lyophilised 2x qPCR Mastermix
This kit is designed to be compatible with all commercially available Mastermixes that run
with standard cycling conditions.
Pipettors and Tips
Vortex and centrifuge
Thin walled 1.5 ml PCR reaction tubes