Cat-scratch disease
Cat-scratch disease (CSD) or felinosis is an infectious disease that most often results from a scratch or bite of a cat. Symptoms typically include a non-painful bump or blister at the site of injury and painful and swollen lymph nodes. People may feel tired, have a headache, or a fever. Symptoms typically begin within 3–14 days following infection.
| Cat scratch disease | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Cat-scratch fever, Teeny's disease, inoculation lymphoreticulosis, subacute regional lymphadenitis |
| An enlarged lymph node in the armpit region of a person with cat-scratch disease, and wounds from a cat scratch on the hand. | |
| Specialty | Infectious disease |
| Symptoms | Bump at the site of the bite or scratch, swollen and painful lymph nodes |
| Complications | Encephalopathy, parotitis, endocarditis, hepatitis |
| Usual onset | Within 14 days after infection |
| Causes | Bartonella henselae from a cat bite or scratch |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, blood tests |
| Differential diagnosis | Adenitis, brucellosis, lymphogranuloma venereum, lymphoma, sarcoidosis |
| Treatment | Supportive treatment, azithromycin |
| Prognosis | Generally good, recovery within 4 months |
| Frequency | 1 in 10,000 people |
Cat-scratch disease is caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae which is believed to be spread by the cat's saliva. Young cats pose a greater risk than older cats. Occasionally dog scratches or bites may be involved. Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms. Confirmation is possible by blood tests.
The primary treatment is supportive. Antibiotics speed healing and are recommended in those with severe disease or immune problems. Recovery typically occurs within 4 months but can require a year. About 1 in 10,000 people are affected. It is more common in children.