Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae. It primarily affects children and is characterized by self-limited lymphadenopathy near a cat scratch or bite. As a research service provider, our company is committed to combating this disease through the development of effective vaccines and therapies.
Introduction to Cat-scratch Disease
Cat-scratch disease is a zoonotic infection that primarily affects humans through contact with cats, particularly kittens. The transmission of the disease occurs when the causative agent, Bartonella henselae, is introduced into the skin through a scratch or bite from an infected cat. Fleas have also been implicated as potential vectors for transmission. CSD typically presents as regional lymphadenopathy, fever, and malaise, although severe cases can involve systemic infection and even neurologic complications.
Fig. 1 A case study of a renal biopsy in Cat-scratch disease. (Sutu B., et al., 2020)
Challenges of Cat-scratch Disease Vaccine Development
Understanding the immune response to B. henselae infection is of paramount importance. While cellular immune mechanisms are likely involved, the exact role they play in protection against CSD remains unclear. Antibody-mediated immunity is also believed to play a role, as humans produce strong antibody responses against specific Bartonella proteins.
One intriguing aspect of B. henselae infection in cats is the ability of the organism to persist in the bloodstream despite a strong antibody response. Cats eventually clear the bacteremia, suggesting the development of protective immunity. However, the nature of this immunity and whether it can be effectively stimulated through vaccination require further investigation.
Therapeutics Development for Cat-scratch Disease
Antibiotics, such as azithromycin, rifampin, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and gentamicin, have been used in the therapeutic of cat-scratch disease (CSD). However, the optimal choice and duration of therapy for different clinical presentations of the disease are still being investigated. Our company is committed to conducting rigorous research to identify the most effective therapy development solutions for cat-scratch disease (CSD). You can click on the link below to learn more about our one-stop therapy development services.
Our Services
At our company, we offer comprehensive cat-scratch disease vaccine and therapy development services. Our team of experienced scientists and researchers collaborate closely to advance the understanding of CSD and develop innovative solutions.
To facilitate the preclinical evaluation of potential vaccines and therapies, we specialize in the development of reliable animal models and in vitro models for cat-scratch disease. These models provide valuable insights into the disease's pathogenesis, allow for the assessment of vaccine candidates, and enable the testing of novel therapeutic strategies.
Murine Models in Immunocompetent Hosts
Our company has successfully established a murine model of Bartonella henselae infection in immunocompetent hosts, specifically C57BL/6 mice. This model allows researchers to investigate the pathogenesis of B. henselae infection and the immune response to this pathogen in the context of an immunocompetent host.
Bartonella-Induced Lymphadenopathy Models
Our company has developed a novel mouse model that replicates the lymphadenopathy observed in human CSD. By subcutaneously inoculating wild-type mice with either viable or inactivated B. henselae, a strong and long-lasting swelling of the draining lymph node is induced, despite the rapid elimination of the bacteria.
With our expertise in vaccine development, drug discovery, and preclinical research, we strive to make significant advancements in the prevention and therapeutics of cat-scratch disease. If our services have piqued your interest, we warmly welcome you to reach out to us for further information and obtain a detailed quotation for the services you require.
Reference
- Sutu Benjamin, et al. "Cat-scratch disease masquerading as C3 glomerulonephritis." Kidney International Reports 5.12 (2020): 2388-2392.
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