1. an infection of immunocompromised patients by a newly recognized Rickettsial species Rochalimaea henselae, characterized by fever and granulomatous cutaneous nodules, and peliosis hepatis in some cases. Skin biopsy shows vascular proliferation and infiltration of vessel walls by neutrophils and clumps of organisms seen with Warthin-Starry silver staining. 2. infectious disease characterized by fever and granulomatous cutaneous lesions. There are two forms. In one, associated with Bartonella henselae cat bites and scratches are predisposing; lymph nodes and viscera may be involved, and bacillary peliosis of liver and spleen can occur. A separate form, associated with B. quintana, is linked with conditions of poor hygiene (louse infestation, low income, poor or no housing); subcutaneous and bone lesions are more predominant.
Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 27th edition Copyright � 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.