cat-scratch disease

Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) Overview

Cat scratch disease, also known as cat scratch fever or bartonellosis, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. This illness occurs when an individual comes into contact with a cat that has fleas infested with the bacteria.

Transmission and Causes

• The primary mode of transmission is through scratches or bites from infected cats, especially kittens.
• Fleas on infected cats can also transmit the disease to humans.
• In rare cases, the infection can be spread through contact with flea-infested animals or contaminated cat saliva.

Symptoms and Effects

• Common symptoms include swollen, tender lymph nodes, a low-grade fever, and skin rashes.
• The infection typically affects the lymph nodes draining the area where the scratch or bite occurred.
• In severe cases, CSD can cause more serious complications, such as:
  • Swollen lymph nodes that become painful to touch
  • Skin lesions or papules
  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue

Geographical Distribution and Risk Factors

• Cat scratch disease has a worldwide distribution.
• It is most commonly found in the United States, particularly during warm and humid months (August through October).
• Individuals who come into contact with infected cats or fleas are at higher risk of contracting CSD.

References:

• [1] - The primary mode of transmission is through scratches or bites from infected cats, especially kittens. [2]
• [3] - Fleas on infected cats can also transmit the disease to humans. [4]
• [5] - Common symptoms include swollen, tender lymph nodes, a low-grade fever, and skin rashes. [6]
• [7] - The infection typically affects the lymph nodes draining the area where the scratch or bite occurred. [8]
• [9] - Cat scratch disease has a worldwide distribution. [10]
• [11] - It is most commonly found in the United States, particularly during warm and humid months (August through October). [12]

Note: The numbers in square brackets refer to the search results provided in the context.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Cat Scratch Disease

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae, which can be transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected cat. The symptoms of CSD can vary from person to person, but here are some common signs and symptoms to watch out for:

• Swollen lymph nodes: One of the most common symptoms of CSD is swollen, tender lymph nodes near the site of the bite or scratch.
• Low-grade fever: Many people with CSD experience a low-grade fever, which can range from mild to moderate in severity.
• Skin rash: A skin rash, often accompanied by redness and swelling, can develop at the site of the bite or scratch. This rash may appear as a small bump or pustule.
• Headache and fatigue: Some people with CSD may experience headache, fatigue, and poor appetite.
• Enlarged lymph nodes near the site of the bite or scratch: In some cases, the lymph nodes near the site of the bite or scratch can become enlarged and tender.

Other Possible Symptoms

In rare cases, cat scratch disease can cause more severe symptoms, including:

• Abdominal masses or tumors
• Conjunctivitis (redness and swelling of the eyes)

It's essential to note that not everyone who contracts CSD will experience all of these symptoms. If you've been bitten or scratched by a cat and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

References

• [1] Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae. Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae . ... Signs and symptoms. Low-grade fever. Enlarged, tender lymph nodes that develop 1–3 weeks after exposure to a cat. A papule or pustule at the site of the scratch. [3]
• [2] The most common symptoms of cat scratch fever are swollen, tender lymph nodes, a low-grade fever, and a skin rash. ... Infected cats generally don’t show any signs of infection. Rarely, a cat ... [11]
• [3] Symptoms · Bump (papule) or blister (pustule) at site of injury (usually the first sign) · Fatigue · Fever (in some people) · Headache · Lymph node swelling ( ... [6]
• [4] The first sign of cat-scratch disease is usually a small, painless bump that develops within 3 to 10 days after a bite or scratch. [12]
• [5] Cat-Scratch Disease - Etiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, signs, diagnosis & prognosis from the Merck Manuals - Medical Professional Version. ... Symptoms and Signs of Cat-Scratch Disease. Within 3 to 10 days after a bite or scratch, most patients with cat-scratch disease develop an erythematous, crusted, painless papule (rarely, a pustule) at the site of the injury. [12]

Cat scratch disease (CSD) can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests.

Physical Examination A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to look for signs of infection, such as swollen lymph nodes or a rash. They may also examine the scratch or wound caused by the cat's bite or scratch [3].

Blood Tests Blood tests can be used to detect the presence of antibodies against Bartonella henselae, the bacteria that cause CSD. These tests include:

• Indirect fluorescence assay (IFA) testing: This test detects serum antibody to B. henselae [6].
• Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA): This test also detects serum antibody to B. henselae.
• PCR testing: This is a direct and reliable method for diagnosing CSD, especially in cases where other diagnostic tests may yield false-negative results [12].

Other Tests In rare cases, a healthcare provider may take a sample of fluid from one of the lymph nodes to test for B. henselae bacteria [3]. However, this is not always necessary and may be avoided if the diagnosis can be made through other means.

It's worth noting that while these tests can help diagnose CSD, they are not always 100% accurate. A healthcare provider will consider a combination of factors, including medical history, physical examination, and laboratory results, to make an accurate diagnosis [4].

References: [3] - The healthcare provider will perform a physical exam where they’ll: Look at your scratch or wound (if you have one). ... Take a sample of your blood to test for B. henselae bacteria. [6] - Indirect fluorescence assay (IFA) testing and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) are used to detect serum antibody to B henselae. [12] - This makes it a valuable tool in confirming the diagnosis of cat-scratch disease, especially in cases where other diagnostic tests, such as serological tests, may yield false-negative results.

Treatment Options for Cat Scratch Disease

Cat scratch disease (CSD) can be treated with antibiotics, although the effectiveness of treatment varies depending on the severity and duration of symptoms.

• Antibiotics: The most commonly recommended antibiotics for treating CSD are:
  • Rifampin: This antibiotic has been shown to have the greatest clinical efficacy in treating CSD [7].
  • Ciprofloxacin: This antibiotic is also effective in treating CSD, especially in severe cases [8].
  • Gentamicin: This antibiotic may be used in combination with other antibiotics to treat more severe cases of CSD.
  • Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole: This antibiotic combination has been shown to be effective in treating CSD, particularly in severe cases [8].
• Other treatments: In some cases, additional treatments such as pain management and fever reduction may be necessary.

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that treatment recommendations for CSD are based on case reports, reviews, a single controlled trial, and anecdotal data, as there is a lack of controlled studies on the topic [3]. Therefore, treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.

References:

[7] Greatest clinical efficacy has been observed following treatment with rifampin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, clarithromycin, ...

[8] Studies have shown that the antibiotics are most effective in severe cases of CSD are rifampicin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole ...