Cat scratch disease (CSD) is an infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. Individuals are usually infected by these specific bacteria due to a scratch or bite from a cat. Cats, especially kittens, often carry the bacteria in their saliva. CSD causes mild symptoms and usually results in the swelling of the lymph nodes.
Cat Scratch Disease
Catch scratch disease, also known as cat scratch fever, is a bacterial infection caused by the Bartonella henselae bacteria. The bacterium is transferred to cats by infected fleas. Once a cat contracts CSD, the bacteria typically are carried in its saliva. When a cat with CSD scratches or bites you, the bacteria is transferred to your bloodstream, causing cat scratch fever. You can also contract cat scratch fever by allowing a cat to lick your eyes or an open wound. Cat scratch disease symptoms include rash, fever, headache and sore throat. While symptoms may vary from mild to severe, cat scratch disease is not considered serious and symptoms tend to go away on their own. In cases of those with a weakened immune system, antibiotics may be prescribed.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredCat scratch disease (CSD) is caused by an infection of the bacteria Bartonella henselae which is often carried in cat saliva. When a cat scratches or bites you the bacteria is transferred into your blood stream causing CSD. You can also contract CSD by allowing a cat to lick your eyes or an open wound. The bacteria are transferred to cats by fleas; however, for humans, a bite from an infected flea does not produce CSD.
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An individual with cat scratch disease (CSD) will first develop a lump or pustule at the place of the scratch. This lump is called an inoculation lesion, the place where the bacteria first entered the body. Within one or two weeks lymph nodes will begin to swell in the armpit, elbow, or groin depending on the location of the scratch. Other symptoms may include tiredness, headache, rash, throat soreness, and loss of appetite. In rare cases, more extreme symptoms may occur.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered
Once the bacteria from a cat scratch reaches the blood stream, cat scratch disease (CSD) can spread to various parts of the body. Swollen lymph nodes closest to the scratch or bite are the most noticeable symptom. Most often these are the lymph nodes in the head, neck or upper limbs. There will also be a bump in the place of the scratch. Other symptoms include rash, fever, headache and sore throat. In rare cases, individuals with CSD will develop eye, bone, spleen, lung or liver infections.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered
Your risk for contracting cat scratch disease (CSD) increases when you live with or come into contact with a cat. CSD cases are more common in the fall and winter seasons and affect children more often than adults. Researchers believe that children develop CSD more often because they play with cats more than adults do. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems do not recover well from cat scratch disease and often have to go on an antibiotic.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered
Cat scratch disease (CSD) is diagnosed by the presence of symptoms like swollen lymph nodes and a mark from a scratch or a bite. Commonly, individuals cannot recall a specific time when they were around a cat. If that is the case, doctors can diagnose CSD by the presence of an enlarged spleen, by using a Bartonella henselae IFA test, or by performing a lymph node biopsy to eliminate other possible causes.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered
The symptoms of cat scratch disease (CSD) like swollen lymph nodes or a minor rash will usually go away on their own within 2 to 4 months. However, if you suffer from a weakened immune system or your symptoms are very bothersome, you may want to seek treatment. In some cases, a lymph node may become too large and the doctor may want to drain the fluid from it. For someone with a weakened immune system or bothersome symptoms, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic like azithromycin.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered
Cat scratch disease (CSD) often goes away on its own with 2 to 4 months. On the occasions when doctors prescribe an antibiotic, they usually choose a type of azithromycin. Azithromycin helps to kill the infection by the bacteria called Bartonella henselae. As with any medication, be sure to follow the directions of your doctor carefully in order to ensure full recovery.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered
To prevent cat scratch disease, avoid stray and unfamiliar cats, and avoid rough play with pet cats to avoid being scratched or bitten. Wash your hands after playing with a cat. If you get a scratch, wash the injury with soap and water. Keeping your home and pet free of fleas will reduce the risk that your cat will become infected.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered
You can manage your cat scratch disease (CSD) on a daily basis by keeping the area of infection clean. Also, you can prevent further infection by taking your cat to a veterinarian to have it checked for fleas and the infection that causes CSD. If you or your child are suffering from swollen lymph nodes, you can use warm, moist compresses to ease some of the irritation.