Which type of bacteria is Bartonella henselae?

Bartonella henselae is classified as a gram-negative bacillus. This species is known for causing cat scratch fever, a zoonotic infection that can occur following a scratch or bite from an infected cat. The gram-negative classification is due to its cell wall structure, which contains a thin layer of peptidoglycan surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides. This structural characteristic influences the bacterium's staining properties and contributes to its pathogenicity.

The bacillus form indicates that Bartonella henselae is rod-shaped, which is typical for many organisms in the Bartonella genus. Understanding the classification can aid in recognizing its behavior in clinical settings, including its responses to antibiotics and its growth characteristics in laboratory cultures. This type of categorization is essential for epidemiological studies and for guiding treatment protocols effectively.