Prognosis

Depending on the Bartonella species, severity of infection, and host factors, Bartonella infections may have a variable course of infection, ranging from a self-limited illness to a prolonged febrile illness, a protracted infection, or a fatal disease.

Cat-scratch disease (CSD)

Typically CSD is a self-limited infection that may last for 2 to 6 months. Antibiotic therapy in this type of infection may not have any effect in changing the course of the infection.[10][45]​ Cases with systemic infection such as neuroretinitis and endocarditis require treatment. A retrospective study of patients hospitalised for CSD in Spain found a mortality rate of 1.3%.[18]

Carrion's disease

Untreated, reported mortality during the acute phase ranges from 40% to 85%.[20]​ In reference centres that treat severe Carrion's disease, mortality is around 10% with appropriate treatment.[20]​

Endocarditis

Untreated cases of Bartonella endocarditis lead to cardiac complications, including valvular damage, abscesses, and heart failure. Patients with endocarditis secondary to B henselae and B quintana who received gentamicin for 14 days in combination with other antibiotics had a better outcome.[55]

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