Detection of serum antibodies to Bartonella henselae and Coxiella burnetii from Japanese children and pregnant women

The participation of Bartonella benselae and Coxiella burnetti in the pathogenesis of fever of unknown origin (FUO) and lymphadenopathy has not bt en completely clarified. Prevalence of these two agents in Japanese children is also unknown. Serum IgG and IgM antibodies to B. benselae and to C. burnetti were examined by the indirect fluorescence antibody assay. Enzyme immunoassay kits were used to detect serum IgG and IgA antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis. Out of 200 healthy normal pregnant women, two (1.0%) had serum IgG antibodies to B, benselae, four (2.0%) to C. burnetti and 49 (24.5%) to C. trachomatis. Our of 29 patients with FUO, one (3.4%) had serum IgG antibodies to B. benselae, four (13.8%) to C. burnetti and none to C. trachomatis. Out of 31 patients with cervical lymphadenopathy, three (9.6%) had serum IgG antibodies to B, benselae, two (6.5%) to C. burnetii and none to C, trachomatis. Out of 22 patients with generalized lymphadenopathy one (4.5%) had serum IgG antibodies to B, benselae, three (13.6%) to C. burnetii and none to C. trachomatis. Prevalences of serum antibodies to C. burnetii in the patients with FUO and generalized lymphadenopathy and to B. benselae in the patients with cervical lymphadenopathy: were significantly higher than those of normal pregnant women (Welch's t-test; P < 0.01). These two agents may have some roles in the pathogenesis of FUO and lymphadenopathy in Japanese children. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.