Bartonella henselae 26 kDa - IgG

What Does a Positive or Elevated IgG Result Mean?

A positive or elevated IgG result for Bartonella henselae 26 kDa suggests:

• Previous exposure to the bacterium, even if you are no longer experiencing symptoms

• A possible chronic or persistent immune response, especially if symptoms have been ongoing for some time

• In some cases, cross-reactivity with other Bartonella species or similar bacteria

Since IgG is a marker of past infection or long-term immune activity, this result does not confirm an active infection on its own but does support prior immune system recognition of the pathogen.

Symptoms of Bartonella henselae Infection

Bartonella henselae infection can range from mild to systemic. Common symptoms include:

• Swollen lymph nodes (often near the site of a scratch or bite)

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Muscle or joint pain

• Abdominal discomfort or malaise

• In severe or chronic cases: vision changes, neurological symptoms, or vascular lesions (bacillary angiomatosis)

Symptoms can vary depending on the person’s immune status and the extent of infection.

Next Steps

• Consult your healthcare provider to interpret this result in context with your health history and current symptoms.

• Follow-up testing may be appropriate, including IgM levels, Bartonella PCR, or enrichment culture if chronic or complex infection is suspected.

• If symptoms persist or Bartonella infection is confirmed, antibiotic treatment may be recommended—typically with agents such as azithromycin or doxycycline.

Summary

The Bartonella henselae 26 kDa – IgG test helps identify prior or long-term immune exposure to a bacterium that causes Cat Scratch Disease and other systemic infections. A medium or elevated result points to past infection, but not necessarily active disease. Interpretation should always be based on a combination of clinical symptoms, history, and supporting lab tests.

What is Bartonella henselae 26 kDa – IgG?

Bartonella henselae is a bacterial species known for causing Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) as well as other systemic or chronic infections in certain individuals. It is primarily transmitted through scratches or bites from cats, but it may also be spread via fleas or ticks.

The 26 kDa – IgG test detects the presence of IgG antibodies to a 26-kilodalton (kDa) protein expressed by Bartonella henselae. IgG antibodies generally appear weeks after infection and can remain in the body for months or even years, indicating a long-term immune response.