Cat-scratch disease

"Cat scratch" and "Cat scratch fever" redirect here. For the Nickelodeon cartoon, see Catscratch. For the Ted Nugent album, see Cat Scratch Fever.
Cat scratch disease
Other namesCat-scratch fever, felinosis, Teeny's disease, inoculation lymphoreticulosis, subacute regional lymphadenitis[1]
An enlarged lymph node in the armpit region of a person with cat-scratch disease, and wounds from a cat scratch on the hand.
SpecialtyInfectious disease
SymptomsBump at the site of the bite or scratch, swollen and painful lymph nodes[2]
ComplicationsEncephalopathy, parotitis, endocarditis, hepatitis[3]
Usual onsetWithin 14 days after infection[2]
CausesBartonella henselae from a cat bite or scratch[2]
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms, blood tests[3]
Differential diagnosisAdenitis, brucellosis, lymphogranuloma venereum, lymphoma, sarcoidosis[3]
TreatmentSupportive treatment, azithromycin[2][3]
PrognosisGenerally good, recovery within 4 months[3]
Frequency1 in 10,000 people[3]

Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is an infectious disease that most often results from a scratch or bite of a cat.[4] Symptoms typically include a non-painful bump or blister at the site of injury and painful and swollen lymph nodes.[2] People may feel tired, have a headache, or a fever.[2] Symptoms typically begin within 3–14 days following infection.[2]

Cat-scratch disease is caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae which is believed to be spread by the cat's saliva.[2] Young cats pose a greater risk than older cats.[3] Occasionally dog scratches or bites may be involved.[3] Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms.[3] Confirmation is possible by blood tests.[3]

The primary treatment is supportive.[3] Antibiotics speed healing and are recommended in those with severe disease or immune problems.[2][3] Recovery typically occurs within 4 months but can require a year.[3] About 1 in 10,000 people are affected.[3] It is more common in children.[4]

  1. ^ Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. ISBN 978-1-4160-2999-1.[page needed]
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Cat scratch disease". GARD. Retrieved 2018-04-17.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Bartonellosis". NORD. 2017. Archived from the original on 1 October 2018. Retrieved 30 September 2018.
  4. ^ a b Klotz SA, Ianas V, Elliott SP (2011). "Cat-scratch Disease". American Family Physician. 83 (2): 152–5. PMID 21243990.