Galaxy Diagnostics is an early-stage infectious disease diagnostic company, specializing in the detection of Bartonella. Bartonella is bacteria that cause zoonotic infections – i.e., Bartonella may be transmitted from an animal host (usually a cat) to people. Vectors, like fleas, lice, ticks, and biting flies also play an important role in transmission. People who work and live with animals are at higher risk of infection. Bartonella are key agents in Cat Scratch Disease and a few other known diseases. Bartonella was recently (re)discovered in HIV patients in the 1990s and found to cause many life-threatening complications in HIV patients, including skin rashes and heart and liver infections. Galaxy Diagnostics was founded in 2009 and is based in Durham, North Carolina, United States.