Bartonella: The Overlooked Vector-Borne Co-Infection Driving Neurologic Symptoms
Bartonella is a common co-infection in Lyme disease, Bartonellosis is a poorly understood and is routinely overlooked by mainstream medicine. As a result, many cases go undiagnosed, leading to significant and unnecessary human suffering and substantial costs to society. Bartonella is known to be immunosuppressive in humans, carrying the risk for disseminated metabolic and mental health complications
Bartonella can present in many different ways. But the range (of symptoms) is quite substantial. From joint pain, skin lesions of different kinds. All the way up to a full-blown neuropsychiatric illnesses including schizophrenia and psychosis. And even, worst case scenarios, suicide.
Bartonellosis is underdiagnosed, causing significant suffering and costs. Symptoms vary widely, from joint pain and skin lesions to severe neuropsychiatric issues like schizophrenia, psychosis, and even suicide. Common signs include swollen lymph nodes, gastritis, sore feet, muscle twitching, headaches, abdominal pain, skin rashes, tender nodules, fever, anxiety, depression, anger, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Early vs. Late Bartonella Disease Symptoms: What to Watch For!
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(Often weeks to months after a tick, flea, or cat scratch bite)
Red or streaked rash (papules, nodules, or “cat scratch” lesions) near entry site
Swollen, tender lymph nodes (commonly neck, armpit, or groin)
Low-grade fever, fatigue, or malaise
Headache and muscle aches
Eye irritation or conjunctivitis
Mild digestive upset (nausea, poor appetite)
Irritability, anxiety, or mood swings
Restlessness or sleep disturbance
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(Months to years after infection; symptoms may fluctuate)
Migratory pain in joints, tendons, or bones (especially feet, shins, ribs)
Neuropathic pain (burning, stabbing, or vibrating sensations)
Vasculitic rashes or red streaks resembling stretch marks (striae)
Eye involvement: blurred vision, light sensitivity, retinal inflammation
Persistent fatigue, dizziness, or exercise intolerance
Cognitive dysfunction: short-term memory loss, confusion, brain fog
Emotional instability: anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, or depression
Gastrointestinal distress or alternating constipation/diarrhea
Swollen lymph nodes or spleen enlargement
Palpitations or chest pressure
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(Chronic or severe systemic phase with nervous system, vascular, and immune involvement)
Small-vessel inflammation (vasculitis) affecting skin, eyes, and brain
Neuropsychiatric symptoms: agitation, rage, psychosis, hallucinations, or derealization
Seizures, tremors, or movement disorders
Peripheral neuropathy: burning or numbness in limbs, facial pain, or muscle weakness
Insomnia, circadian rhythm inversion, vivid dreams or night terrors
Autonomic dysfunction (POTS, temperature dysregulation, fainting)
Migratory pain in bones, tendons, and soles of feet (“foot pain on waking”)
Cognitive impairment: executive dysfunction, poor concentration, memory gaps
Immune dysregulation leading to PANS/PANDAS-like syndromes
Endothelial inflammation causing vascular instability, blood pooling, or petechiae
Visual or auditory disturbances (flashes, floaters, tinnitus)
Psychiatric misdiagnoses including bipolar, schizophrenia, or PTSD-like presentations
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![Babesia, Bartonella, and Lyme can be the cause of chronic, relapse and remitting symptoms. A young woman sitting on a black chair by a large window with sheer white curtains, looking outside, with a white couch nearby in a bright, modern room.]()
Case Study: Bartonella, Babesia, Found in Brain Tissue of Child With Seizures
Researchers at North Carolina State University found DNA from Bartonella henselae, Babesia odocoilei, and Babesia divergens-like MO-1 in the brain of a child with seizures and possible Rasmussen’s encephalitis. This suggests these germs might cause complex brain diseases. Edward Breitschwerdt, the lead author, said Bartonella DNA was missing in blood but found in brain tissue.
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![Babesia, Bartonella, and Lyme can be the cause of chronic, relapse and remitting symptoms. Woman with curly hair holding her head with both hands, looking distressed, with a blurred and slightly colorful background.]()
Bartonella species bacteremia in association with adult psychosis
The role of vector borne pathogens, especially those spread by insects, in causing psychosis is not well studied. We found a connection between Bartonella bacteria in the blood and mental health issues like sudden-onset pediatric neuropsychiatric syndrome and schizophrenia. This study aimed to examine the link between Bartonella exposure or infection and psychosis.
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![Vectors carry bacteria which can cause long term symptoms in some populations. Close-up of a water strider insect walking on water surface]()
Study: Bartonella Infection Associated With Psychiatric Symptoms and Skin Lesions
Bartonella bacteria are increasingly
Recognized as an emerging infectious disease threat, a new NC State CVM study found more cases of Bartonella infection in humans with neuropsychiatric symptoms, some also showing skin lesions. This research supports that Bartonella can mimic chronic illnesses, including mental disorders, and may cause dermatological symptoms.
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![Vectors carry bacteria which can make us sick. Close-up of pinkish tangled threads on a blue background]()
Case Study: Bartonella, Babesia Co-Infection in Family Associated with Neurological Illnesses
Family members had neuropsychiatric symptoms (OCD, insomnia, headaches, etc.).
Testing found co-infections including Babesia; shows how symptoms can be mistaken or spread across people exposed to same vectors.
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![Comic book cover titled "Swamp Boy" by Kris Newby with images of brain scans and a playful, colorful background.]()
Can Bartonella Bloodstream Infection Cause Acute Neuropsychiatric Syndrome in an Otherwise Normal 14yr. Boy?
“Between October 2015 and January
In 2017, a 14-year-old boy with sudden psychotic symptoms was diagnosed with Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), linked to Bartonella infection. Improved testing now detects Bartonella in blood or cerebrospinal fluid of patients with various neurological symptoms.
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![Person kneeling on the sidewalk outside a building, with their head bowed against the wall, dressed in a dark jacket and jeans, on a black blanket.]()
Can Tick Borne Illness Such as Bartonella Be The Root to Understanding Mental Health Issues Among People Without Homes?
Previous blood tests showed that B. quintana infection was common in homeless people and often linked to drug use. Symptoms were vague, and blood tests were less reliable than blood cultures. In suspected cases, blood cultures should be kept for at least 14 days. Homeless shelters should work to reduce lice, the main way B. quintana spreads.
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![Vector illness is often missed as a driver of mental health symptoms. A woman with long brown hair wearing a gray sweatshirt with white lettering, double exposure effect showing two different angles of her face against a black background.]()
Can Bartonella species be associated with adult psychosis?
“The potential role of pathogens, particularly vector-transmitted infectious agents, as a cause of psychosis has not been intensively investigated.
Here is reported a potential link between Bartonella spp. bacteremia and neuropsychiatric symptoms, including PANS and schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to further assess whether Bartonella spp. exposure or infection are associated with psychosis.”
Could It Be Bartonella?
Wondering if symptoms link to Bartonella? This free, clear poster highlights signs like stretch-mark–like striae, inflamed nodules, and skin changes, plus their connection to mood and mental health. A visual guide for unexplained symptoms.