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Oxford Textbook of Zoonoses$
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Oxford Textbook of Zoonoses (2 ed.) : Biology, Clinical Practice, and Public Health Control

Edited by S.R. Palmer, Lord Soulsby, Paul Torgerson, David W. G. Brown

Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Print Publication Date:
Jul 2011
Print ISBN-13:
9780198570028
Published to Oxford Medicine:
Jul 2011
DOI:
10.1093/med/9780198570028.001.0001

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Oxford University Press makes no representation, express or implied, that the drug dosages in this book are correct. Readers must therefore always check the product information and clinical procedures with the most up to date published product information and data sheets provided by the manufacturers and the most recent codes of conduct and safety regulations. The authors and the publishers do not accept responsibility or legal liability for any errors in the text or for the misuse or misapplication of material in this work. Except where otherwise stated, drug dosages and recommendations are for the non-pregnant adult who is not breastfeeding.

Contents

Other bacterial diseasesCat-scratch disease

Chapter:
Other bacterial diseasesCat-scratch disease
Author(s):

Michel Drancourt

DOI:
10.1093/med/9780198570028.003.0024

Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is a worldwide zoonoses caused by infection with the bacterium, Bartonella henselae. The formal description of the disease by Debré in 1950 (Debré et al. 1950) corresponds to the most frequently diagnosed form of the disease. Cats are the main reservoir for B. henselae and transmission is via Ctniocephalides felis. Humans usually become infected after being scratched or bitten by a cat and is most frequently seen in children and young adults.

CSD is a self-limiting illness which often begins with a small papule developing at the site of cat scratch or bite within 3-14 days of the infection. Nearby lymph nodes, usually neck, axillary or groin, become swollen and can persist for several months. It may take up to 7 weeks for the enlarged lymph nodes to appear and individuals may not recall any cat scratch or bite. In healthy cases antibiotics are not indicated.

About 5-10% of patients may develop other forms of CSD including eye infection characterised by conjunctivitis and swollen lymph nodes, rash, liver and spleen enlargement, and more rarely encephalitis. Immunosuppresed patients may develop more severe disease, such as bacillary angiomatosis.

General advice for preventing CSD includes avoiding rough play with cats, particularly kittens. Cat scratches and bites should be washed immediately with water and soap and cats should not be allowed to lick open wounds.

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