Cat Scratch Lymphadenitis

Cat scratch lymphadentitis, commonly known as cat scratch disease or cat scratch fever, is a self-limiting infectious disease spread via cat scratches.

Identification

• Bartonella henselae is the bacteria that causes cat scratch lymphadentitis. Cat scratch disease typically manifests as a swelling of the lymph nodes, low-grade fever and nausea.

Significance

• Approximately 22,000 cases of cat scratch disease are diagnosed annually, according to a 1993 study performed by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and published in the American Journal of Public Health. In 80 percent of cases, those infected are under 21 years of age. Males are infected 1 1/2 times more than females.

Time Frame

• Signs and symptoms appear within one to two weeks of infection and typically resolve within two to three weeks if left untreated. Complications and delayed healing occur in people who are pregnant, nursing, very young, very old or in poor health.

Misconceptions

• Cat scratch lymphadentitis is, in rare cases, contracted from contact with other animals. Dogs, rabbits and monkeys are also capable of causing this illness.

Prevention/Solution

• Avoid rough play or contact with stray or unfamiliar cats and kittens. Wash any wounds with soap and water immediately after they occur, no matter how minor. If you experience symptoms relating to cat scratch disease, seek proper medical attention. Some cases of cat scratch lymphadentitis require the use of antibiotics.