Atypical cat-scratch disease: diagnosis by a serologic test for Rochalimaea species.

Three patients with atypical manifestations of cat-scratch disease (CSD) had the diagnosis supported by a newly available serologic assay for antibodies to Rochalimaea henselae. Previously, CSD has been a diagnosis of exclusion because no confirmatory test was readily available. Atypical or severe cases of CSD have often required detailed (and expensive) clinical and laboratory investigation. The use of Rochalimaea-specific serologic tests may help avoid extensive diagnostic testing or invasive procedures in such cases.