Cat Scratch Fever Disease

Cat scratch fever, also known as cat scratch disease, is an infection that causes swelling of the lymph nodes. The infection is spread by bacteria in the saliva or under the claws of an infected cat. This disease is only a serious health risk in people with weakened immune systems.

Cause

• The true cause of the infection is a bacteria called Bartonella henselae. Roughly 40% of cats are estimated to have carried B. henselae at some point in their lives, and never show signs of illness.

Cat Infection

• Cats get infected with B. henselae by infected fleas they ingest as they clean themselves. This bacteria can pass from mouth to claw as the cat grooms normally. Kittens are more likely to carry this bacteria.

Human Infection

• People can develop cat scratch disease by being bitten or scratched by an infected cat. Some cats have the bacteria on their fur, so sometimes the disease can be transmitted simply by petting an infected cat.

Symptoms

• A sore may develop at the site of the scratch or bite, taking up to 10 days to appear. In addition, the lymph nodes nearest the injury may start to swell.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of cat scratch disease can be verified by a blood test, as most people do not remember being bitten or scratched by a cat.

Treatment

• In most cases, cat scratch disease clears up with no additional help. If the infected lymph nodes remain swollen and painful for more than a few months, however, antibiotics may be administered to help healing.