Bartonella Neuroretinitis Following Dog Bite: an Uncommon Case of Non- Feline Related Cat Scratch Disease and Review of Literature

Background: Neuroretinitis is the most common form of ocular Cat Scratch Disease (CSD), caused by bacterium Bartonella Henselae, commonly transmitted to human via cat’s scratch or bite. We describe a case of Bartonella neuroretinitis with occlusive vasculitis without history of feline exposure. Case Presentation: A healthy 28 year-old man presented with unilateral acute visual loss following a dog bite and diagnosed as bartonella neuroretinitis with occlusive vasculitis, with subsequent recurrence. Retinal imaging included colour fundal photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Patient improved upon commencement of oral azithromycin combined with prednisolone. Our literature review revealed 9 cases of serology confirmed Bartonella-associated neuroretinitis following direct contact with non-feline mammals (dog, guinea pig, ferret, hedgehog, raccoon), tick and bull ant. Conclusion: Due to its variable mode of transmission, the diagnosis of Cat Scratch Disease and Bartonella-associated neuroretinitis should be considered despite absence of feline exposure.