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Cat scratch disease

Cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae bacteria

Prevalence

1-9 / 100 000

3,310 - 29,790

US Estimated

5,135 - 46,215

Europe Estimated

Age of Onset

ICD-10

A28.1

Inheritance

This condition does not appear to have a clear pattern of inheritance.

Rare View

Cat-scratch disease (CSD) or felinosis is an infectious disease that most often results from a scratch or bite of a cat. Symptoms typically include a non-painful bump or blister at the site of injury and painful and swollen lymph nodes. People may feel tired, have a headache, or a fever. Symptoms typically begin within 3–14 days following infection.
Although rare, CSD can cause people to have serious complications. CSD can affect the brain, eyes, heart, or other internal organs. These rare complications, which may require intensive treatment, are more likely to occur in children 5-14 years of age and people with weakened immune systems.
Cat-scratch disease is caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae which is believed to be spread by the cat's saliva. Young cats pose a greater risk than older cats.

5 Facts you should know

FACT

1

CSD is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lymph nodes

FACT

2

It is typically caused by the bacteria bartonella (Bartonella henselae)

FACT

3

It is usually transmitted by being scratched or bitten by a cat, but rarely, no scratch or bite is involved

FACT

4

Symptoms typically begin within 3–14 days following infection

FACT

5

In most patients the disease resolves spontaneously within 2-4 months without treatment

Cat scratch disease is also known as...

Cat scratch disease

Bartonellosis due to Bartonella henselae infection; Cat scratch fever, CSD

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Cat scratch disease (CSD) is also known as….

Common signs & symptoms

Most people with cat scratch disease have been bitten or scratched by a cat and develop a mild infection at the point of injury within about 3-14 days. The infected area may be warm and painful and may appear swollen and red with round, raised lesions. Lymph nodes, especially those around the head, neck, and upper limbs become swollen. Additionally, a person with cat scratch disease may experience fever, headache, fatigue, achiness and discomfort (malaise), sore throat, enlarged spleen, and/or loss of appetite.

Current treatments

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae that typically presents as a self-limiting illness characterized by regional lymphadenopathy and fever. However, in some cases, the disease may be severe or may disseminate, requiring medical intervention.

The choice of antibiotic depends on the severity of the infection, the patient's age, and other factors. Azithromycin is generally recommended as the first-line treatment, with doxycycline, rifampin, and ciprofloxacin used as alternative agents. The duration of antibiotic therapy typically lasts for 5-14 days.

Symptomatic treatment can also be given to manage symptoms such as fever, lymphadenopathy, and fatigue. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications can be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
In cases of severe CSD, intravenous antibiotics and surgical intervention may be necessary. Additionally, immunosuppressed individuals, pregnant women, and young children may require more aggressive management.

Prevention measures include avoiding contact with infected cats or taking precautions when handling cats, such as washing hands after handling a cat and avoiding rough play with cats.
 

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Cat Scratch Disease.
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Red Book: 2018-2021 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases.
Fenollar, F. & Raoult, D. (2001). Bartonella infections in human: a review.

Top Clinical Trials

TitleDescriptionPhasesStatusInterventionsMore Information
Intra-nodal Injection of Gentamicin for the Treatment of Suppurated Cat Scratch Disease's Lymphadenitis (BIGG)

(Trial in France)
Double blind controlled study versus placebo. Patients with suppurated CSD's lymphadenitis will receive immediately after the pus aspiration (performed for a diagnostic purpose) an intra-nodal injection of gentamicin or of placebo (NaCl 0,9%) and be treated with oral azithromycin for 5 days.Phase 3RecruitingDrugs: gentamicin, azithromycin. Drug: placeboMore Info

Top Treatments in Research

AgentClass/Mechanism of ActionDevelopment StatusCompanyClinical StudiesMore Information
gentamycinAminoglycosidePhase 3University Hospital, ToulouseMore InfoMore Info