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.

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Early vs. Late Bartonella Disease Symptoms: What to Watch For!

  • (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

  • (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

  • (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

  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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.”

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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.

Free Download