The Bartonella henselae Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is an assay that detects B. henselae-specific DNA in whole blood and/or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The combination of the following three steps imparts a very high specificity and sensitivity to the test:

1. Hybridization/selection
2. Amplification of Bartonella-specific DNA
3. Detection of Bartonella-specific amplified DNA fragments

Principle: B. henselae ribosomal DNA (rDNA) fragments are hybrid-selected by probes, followed by PCR amplification of selected B. henselae rDNA. PCR products are confirmed by B. henselae-specific probes in a southern blot assay. The primers and probes used for the selection of B. henselae rDNA fragments are designed from published small subunit ribosomal RNA sequences.

Stage of Disease: Any Stage of Disease

Test Methodology: PCR