Which vectors are associated with Bartonella transmission?

Which vectors are associated with Bartonella transmission?

• A. Waterborne cysts
• B. Airborne droplets
• C. Ticks, fleas, and sandflies
• D. Mosquitoes, fleas

Answer: (C)

Bartonella transmission relies on arthropod vectors rather than water or airborne spread. The most familiar human infection, cat scratch disease, is linked to cat fleas that spread the bacterium among cats and contaminate scratches. Other Bartonella species have distinct vectors: sandflies transmit Bartonella bacilliformis, and body lice transmit Bartonella quintana. Ticks have also been reported as potential vectors in some Bartonella strains. Because these arthropods—ticks, fleas, and sandflies—are all associated with Bartonella, that combination best reflects the known vector range. Waterborne cysts and airborne droplets are not typical routes for Bartonella, and mosquitoes are not recognized vectors for these bacteria.

Bartonella transmission relies on arthropod vectors rather than water or airborne spread. The most familiar human infection, cat scratch disease, is linked to cat fleas that spread the bacterium among cats and contaminate scratches. Other Bartonella species have distinct vectors: sandflies transmit Bartonella bacilliformis, and body lice transmit Bartonella quintana. Ticks have also been reported as potential vectors in some Bartonella strains. Because these arthropods—ticks, fleas, and sandflies—are all associated with Bartonella, that combination best reflects the known vector range. Waterborne cysts and airborne droplets are not typical routes for Bartonella, and mosquitoes are not recognized vectors for these bacteria.