Key points
- Bartonella bacilliformis bacteria are spread by sand flies in some regions of South America.
- Infection with B. bacilliformis, sometimes called South American bartonellosis, causes two phases of illness: Oroya fever and veruga peruana (Peruvian warts).
- The best way to prevent infection with B. bacilliformis is to prevent sand fly bites when in South America.
Overview
Bartonella bacilliformis bacteria can spread through the bites of infected sand flies (genus Lutzomyia) and can cause a disease called bartonellosis. It is sometimes called South American bartonellosis.
Sand flies infected with B. bacilliformis are found in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador at elevations of 3,000 to 10,000 feet.
Signs and symptoms
A infection caused by B. bacilliformis bacteria has two distinct phases of signs and symptoms.
Oroya fever
A fever, headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain, and severe anemia may occur. Complications may occur in up to 70% of patients with Oroya fever, such as secondary infections, seizures, heart failure, pericardial effusion (buildup of excess fluid in the sac surrounding the heart), and pulmonary edema (buildup of excess fluid in the air sacs of the lungs).
Verruga peruana (Peruvian warts)
During this later phase of the disease, growths form under the skin and develop into red-to-purple vascular sores that can bleed.
Prevention
In areas where B. bacilliformis is common (South America), take the following steps to protect yourself from sand fly bites and bartonellosis:
- Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to help protect yourself from bites.
- If possible, limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when sand flies are most active.