|  | Conditions Treatments | Diseases

How Do I Catch Cat Scratch Fever?

The correct name for "cat scratch fever" is cat scratch disease (CSD) or Bartonella henselae infection. If you suspect you have CSD, testing for an enlarged spleen, a lymph node biopsy or a Bartonella henselae indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test can provide a diagnosis.

  1. Causes

    • Contact with the bacterium Bartonella henselae or B. henselae causes cat scratch disease. A cat infected with the bacterium can spread the illness by biting or scratching you. In addition, you can contract cat scratch disease if a cat's infested saliva comes into contact with a broken area of your skin or if you touch the saliva and then touch your eyes without washing your hands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims that 40 percent of cats carry B. henselae, with kittens being more likely to carry and spread the disease.

    Signs of Infection

    • If you contract cat scratch disease, the lymph node nearest to the infected area will swell and may form a fistula or tunnel in the skin that leaks fluid, according to MedlinePlus. Bumps or blisters form at the infection site. Physically, you may feel tired, have a sore throat, lose your appetite, develop a fever or fatigue, or have an enlarged spleen.

    Prevention/Treatment

    • The CDC recommends washing scratches and bites from cats immediately. Avoid playing too rough with your cat or kitten. Medical treatment is typically only necessary for people with immunodeficiency problems, though a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Diseases - Related Articles