What information will a doctor seek who suspects patient has cat-scratch disease?

If a doctor suspects that a patient may have cat-scratch disease, they will typically seek information about the following:

1. Patient's medical history, including any recent exposure to cats, especially kittens, or scratches or bites from cats.

2. Symptoms experienced by the patient, such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

3. Physical examination findings, including the presence of any enlarged lymph nodes, particularly in the axillary or cervical areas.

4. Laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count to check for signs of infection or anemia, and serological tests to detect antibodies specific to Bartonella henselae, the bacteria that causes cat-scratch disease.

5. Imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be recommended to evaluate the affected lymph nodes and rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.

Based on the information gathered from the patient's medical history, symptoms, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies, the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment for cat-scratch disease.