CSD; Cat-scratch fever; Bartonellosis DefinitionCat-scratch disease is an infection with bartonella bacteria. It is transmitted by cat scratches, cat bites, or flea bites. CausesCat-scratch disease is caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. The disease is spread through contact with an infected cat (a bite or scratch) or exposure to cat fleas. It also can be spread through contact with cat saliva on broken skin or mucosal surfaces like those in the nose, mouth, and eyes. SymptomsA person who has had contact with an infected cat may show symptoms, including:
Less common symptoms may include:
Exams and TestsIf you have swollen lymph nodes and a scratch or bite from a cat, your health care provider may suspect cat-scratch disease. A physical exam may also reveal an enlarged spleen. Sometimes, an infected lymph node may form a tunnel (fistula) through the skin and drain (leak fluid). This disease is hard to diagnose, in part because it is rare. The Bartonella henselae immunofluorescence assay (IFA) blood test can detect the infection caused by these bacteria. The results of this test will be considered along with other information from your medical history, lab tests, or biopsy. A lymph node biopsy may also be done to look for other causes of swollen glands. TreatmentMost often, cat-scratch disease is not serious. Medical treatment may not be needed. In some cases, treatment with antibiotics such as azithromycin can be helpful. Other antibiotics may be used, including:
In people with HIV/AIDS and others, who have a weak immune system, cat-scratch disease can be more serious. Treatment with antibiotics may be needed. Outlook (Prognosis)People who have a healthy immune system should recover fully without treatment. People with a weak immune system need antibiotic treatment to recover. Possible ComplicationsPeople with weak immune systems may develop complications such as:
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalContact your provider if you have enlarged lymph nodes and you have been exposed to a cat. PreventionTo prevent cat-scratch disease:
ReferencesRolain JM, Raoult D. Bartonella infections. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 291. Rose SR, Koehler JE. Bartonella, including cat-scratch disease. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 234. | |
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Review Date: 8/26/2023 Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
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Cat scratch diseas
Antibodies
