Cat scratch disease (CSD for short) is a condition brought on by infection of Bartonella bacteria. The reason for its name is that it frequently occurs after someone has been scratched or bitten by a cat. Generally, it is more commonly found in children. Sometimes the word "fever" replaces "disease" at the end of the name, and there are also numerous other names by which the condition is known.

Symptoms

Various medical symptoms can appear when someone has CSD. The classic sign of it is lymphadenopathy, that is, lymph nodes that are swollen or tender. In the case of CSD, this is a regional issue, rather than a general swelling of nodes throughout the body. Some individuals may also have other symptoms like headache, pain in the back and/or abdomen, fever and chills, etc. Patients with compromised immune systems may have more serious complications from this illness. This can particularly be the case in person with HIV. Despite the fact that in most situations cat scratch disease is self-limiting, the lymphadenopathy may remain for months past the time when the other symptoms are no longer presenting.

Causes

As mentioned, Bartonella is the infection that leads to cat scratch disease. It has been noted that kittens more commonly have the bacteria in their blood than do adult cats, so there is the possibility that they are more likely to spread the infection to humans. Despite this, it has been seen that fleas can transmit the bacteria from one cat to another, and that even fecal matter from the fleas contains Bartonella. Therefore, if this matter gets into a scratch wound, it could be a means of transmission.

Diagnosis and Treatment

For diagnosis, a doctor or other medical professional is the one to perform any tests or examinations, and to analyze the results. In most cases, the infection clears up by itself. However, sometimes there can be complications, especially when the patient has a compromised immune system. If treatment is given, it is commonly an antibiotic. However, please look for professional advice regarding the use of a treatment method (or not treating the condition), as this website does not offer such advice, and only contains information that is generic in nature.

Read details regarding other swollen lymph node causes, or return home for general information on lymphadenopathy.