Cat scratch disease (CSD), also known as cat scratch fever, is an illness that people can get from contact with cats under certain conditions. It is not a serious illness for most people, however, anyone who comes in contact with cats should learn how to recognize the symptoms of CSD and the best ways to treat CSD.
Causes of CSD
CSD is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae. The bacteria live in the saliva of an infected cat.
A person becomes infected with the bacteria, usually after being licked, scratched, or bitten by a cat. The bacteria can also be spread to a person if the cat’s saliva comes into contact with the eyes or through broken skin. More than 90% of people who get CSD have had contact with an adult cat or kitten, and although the disease is called cat scratch fever, it does not mean that a person must be scratched by a cat to get the disease.
The bacteria does not make cats sick. Cats can carry the bacteria for months without getting sick, and it is estimated that almost half of all cats have a Bartonella infection at some point in their lives, with cats under one year old being more likely to be infected. Fleas are thought to spread the bacteria between cats, although there is no evidence that fleas can transmit the disease to humans.
CSD is not contagious. If multiple cases occur in the same household, it is usually due to contact with the same infected cat.
About 22,000 cases of CSD are diagnosed in the United States each year, with more in the fall and winter, often in children.
Symptoms of Cat Scratch Disease
Symptoms begin 3-30 days after infection, but most often within 1-2 weeks. Symptoms may include:
Brown-red papular lesions: Blisters or small bumps may appear at the scratch or bite mark 3-10 days after contact with a cat. The bumps may be mistaken for bug bites. The bumps are called inoculation lesions – wounds where bacteria entered the body. They are common on the arms, hands, head, or scalp. The lesions are usually painless.
Swollen lymph nodes: 1-4 weeks after the lesions appear, patients will develop one or more slowly enlarged lymph nodes or glands in the same area. For example, if their arm was scratched, they may have an enlarged gland in their armpit.
Skin redness: The skin color can last for 4 to 6 weeks.
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever: Less than half of those infected develop a mild fever, usually below 38.3 degrees Celsius
The most obvious symptom of cat scratch disease is a papule-like lesion that lasts one to four weeks
Diagnosis
CSD is more common in children, although cases have occurred in adults as well. Doctors usually diagnose CSD based on a person’s history of exposure to cats and a physical examination. During the exam, doctors look for signs of cat scratches or bites and swollen lymph nodes.
In some cases, doctors use laboratory tests to help with the diagnosis and rule out more serious conditions.
Tests may include:
Blood tests and cultures to rule out other causes of swollen lymph nodes
Blood tests positive for cat scratch disease (although Bartonella grows slowly in culture)
Microscopic examination of a removed lymph node showing signs of Bartonella henselae
Treatment
Most people who are infected with CSD recover without any special medications. Cleaning the lesions and treating with antibiotic ointment and bandages are usually enough to keep the infection from getting out of control. A doctor can drain any particularly painful lymph nodes.
CSD may be more severe in people with autoimmune diseases. In these individuals, treatment may include antibiotics such as azithromycin.
Prognosis
Cat scratch fever is not a particularly dangerous disease for most people, and symptoms are usually mild.
The scratch should heal within a few days. So there is really no need to be afraid. We must understand and treat it scientifically.
The inoculation injury, where the bacteria enter the body, usually takes 1-3 weeks to heal. Swollen lymph nodes disappear within 2 to 4 months, although occasionally they can last longer. Although most people recover within two to five months, it may take up to a year for the swelling to completely disappear from the lymph nodes.
All complications of CSD usually resolve without any lasting illness. Having cat scratch disease once usually makes a person immune for life.
Prevention
To minimize the chance of developing CSD, cat scratches should be treated like other minor wounds:
Rinse the scratch thoroughly with cool water.
Gently pat it dry.
It is not usually recommended to use alcohol or peroxide, as both can increase inflammation.
Apply an antibiotic ointment. Erythromycin, etc.
Cover the scratch with a bandage if it is in an area that could get dirty or rubbed.
Take pain relievers to reduce fever or discomfort.
Finally
Cat scratch disease is not a serious problem, but there are still some people who believe that cat scratch disease is dangerous, especially to children. Because of this unfounded fear of cat scratches, some parents may declare that they refuse to let their children have cats as pets, or get rid of the family cat after even a small incident.
A better understanding of CSD will hopefully eliminate the rumors and irrational fears surrounding cat scratch disease.
Post time: Sep-18-2024