Catscratch Disease

Bacterial infection from a cat bite or scratch

Catscratch disease, also known as catscratch fever, is caused by infection with Bartonella henselae bacteria. It is usually contracted from a lick, bite, or scratch of a kitten or cat. The bacteria is also found in cat fleas. Catscratch disease affects all age groups, but children who are around kittens or who play roughly with cats (resulting in cat scratches or bites) are more likely to contract the disease. In the United States, catscratch disease is estimated to occur in slightly more than 9 individuals per 100,000 population.

If people who are immune compromised become infected with B. henselae bacteria, a different disease, bacillary-angiomatosis-peliosis (BA/BP), develops.

Symptoms
An individual with catscratch disease usually first notices swollen, tender lymph nodes in an armpit or one side of the neck. Approximately 50% of individuals also have symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle or joint pain, and generally not feeling well. When asked, individuals may remember being licked, scratched, or bitten by a kitten or cat within the past few weeks.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis of catscratch disease is based on the symptoms of swollen lymph nodes after cat exposure. Usually there is a pimple, pustule, or sore where the cat bite or scratch was. A blood test for antibodies to B. henselae will be positive in 88% of individuals.

Treatment
Generally, catscratch disease will run its course over time. Warm, moist compresses can be applied to tender, swollen lymph nodes. If the symptoms are severe, antibiotics can be given.

Prevention
There are some simple preventive measures that can reduce the risk of contracting catscratch disease. Avoid stray cats, and keep domestic cats and kittens free of fleas. Teach children not to tease cats and kittens, and not to handle them roughly, and that even "tame" cats will scratch or bite if provoked. If a scratch or bite does occur, wash the area with warm water and soap, and contact a physician.

Information for this article was taken from:
Spoonemore, K. J., & Raugi, G. J. (2005). Catscratch disease. eMedicine, accessed at http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic69.htm