Bartonella bacilliformis infection

Bartonella bacilliformis infection, also known as Carrión's disease or Oroya fever (in its acute phase) and Verruga peruana (in its chronic phase), is a rare bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Bartonella bacilliformis. This infection is spread through the bite of infected sandflies, particularly Lutzomyia verrucarum, and is found almost exclusively in certain mountainous regions of South America, especially Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. The disease has two distinct stages. The first stage, called Oroya fever or the acute phase, is a serious illness where the bacteria invade red blood cells and destroy them, causing severe anemia. This can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Symptoms include high fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and extreme fatigue. The second stage, called Verruga peruana or the chronic phase, causes distinctive reddish-purple skin growths or wart-like bumps that can appear weeks to months after the initial infection. These skin lesions are usually not life-threatening but can be uncomfortable and disfiguring. Fortunately, Bartonella bacilliformis infection responds well to antibiotic treatment. The acute phase is typically treated with antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or chloramphenicol, while the chronic skin phase is often treated with rifampicin or azithromycin. With prompt diagnosis and proper antibiotic therapy, most people recover fully. Without treatment, the acute phase can be fatal in a significant number of cases.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.Which phase of Bartonella bacilliformis infection do I have, and what does that mean for my treatment?,What antibiotic will I be prescribed, and how long do I need to take it?,Do I need a blood transfusion because of anemia, and how will you monitor my blood counts?,What warning signs should prompt me to go to the emergency room?,How will we know the treatment has worked, and what follow-up tests are needed?,Am I at risk of developing the chronic skin phase (Verruga peruana) after the acute illness?,How can I prevent reinfection if I live in or plan to return to an endemic area?

Common questions about Bartonella bacilliformis infection