• Suspected Bartonella exposure: history of cat scratches, tick exposure or contact with animals.
• Persistent lymph node swelling: enlarged nodes in the neck, armpit or groin.
• Post-infectious symptoms: symptoms that continue following a suspected bacterial infection.
• Cat scratch disease: clinical features consistent with Bartonella-related infection.
• Complex infection history: incomplete resolution of symptoms following Lyme disease or other tick-borne infections.
• Treatment monitoring: follow-up of immune response after Bartonella-directed therapy.

Overview

The Bartonella IgG Antibodies test measures IgG antibodies to Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana in a blood sample. IgG antibodies typically reflect previous immune exposure rather than acute infection.

This test may be clinically useful when symptoms or clinical history raise questions about prior Bartonella exposure, particularly in individuals with lymph node swelling, prolonged symptoms or complex infectious backgrounds. As Bartonella species are intracellular bacteria, antibody testing can support investigation when direct detection is challenging.

Practitioners typically interpret results alongside symptom history, timing of exposure, immune status and other laboratory findings. Results are reviewed as part of a wider clinical picture when supporting clients.

Practical

Serum/SST

This sample requires a blood draw