Cat scratch disease or sometimes referred to as cat scratch fever can be caused from the scratch, bite or even a lick from a cat. Often caused by kittens, cat scratch is a bacterial infection that can cause swelling of the lymph nodes.
The bacterium Bartonella henselae (B. henselae) causes cat scratch disease and is typically seen in individuals under the age of 21. Over 20,000 cases of cat scratch disease are reported annually in the United States but the disease is not confined to the U.S., accounts of cat scratch disease are reported in countries worldwide.
Bartonella henselae is carried in the saliva of felines and half of all cats are believed to have carried the bacteria at one time or another in their life. While fleas are not known to pass the bacteria onto humans, fleas can transfer the bacteria from one cat to another. Cats with Bartonella henselae will not become ill but can cause illness in humans when they come into contact with the saliva of cats that have the bacteria.
SYMPTOMS
It is not uncommon for individuals to mistake an infected cat bite or scratch with that of a bug bite. Several days after a person has become bitten or scratched, the wound will appear as a bump and normally do not cause any pain. After two to three weeks from being infected with the bacteria, an individual will experience swollen lymph nodes near the bite site. If bitten on the arm, the lymph nodes under the arm may swell while someone bitten on the head may have swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck.
The skin covering the lymph nodes may have a red appearance and in some cases, the lymph nodes may contain pus. Cat scratch disease is considered a mild illness with swollen lymph nodes the main symptom. Some individuals may experience a low grade fever, sore throat, headaches, a mild rash or slight fatigue.
In rare cases, cat scratch disease has been known to cause more severe complications such as infections of the liver, spleen, joints or lungs. Brain swelling that can lead to seizures have also been reported but are very uncommon. An eye infection known as Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome has also been reported in conjunction with cat scratch disease.
TREATMENT
A physician can typically diagnose cat scratch disease by a physical examination and from a person's history of being in contact with cats. A blood test can also be performed to positively diagnose cat scratch fever in an individual. Lymph nodes that have been removed can be examined microscopically for cat scratch disease.
Cat scratch disease rarely requires any treatment. Lymph nodes that become overly swollen and filled with pus may require the fluid drained. Antibiotics can also be prescribed to help ease symptoms especially in children. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen is commonly used to help ease minor pain and fever that may accompany the disease.
PREVENTION
Cat scratch disease is not contagious between humans. Those who are suffering from the disease do not need to be isolated from others. Cat scratch disease is not a common disease but there are some steps that individuals can take to prevent illness from the bacteria.
Avoid rough handling and playing with cats and wash your hands after handling any cat. Any wounds caused by a cat should be thoroughly washed with soap and water. Use flea prevention medications on your felines and treat your home if fleas are present.
Even though cat scratch disease normally has mild symptoms that are not life threatening, you should contact your health provider if symptoms become severe, if bites and scratches do not heal or if the area of an injury becomes swollen and red which can be a sign of infection. Children with painful and swollen lymph nodes or fever should be seen by their pediatrician.
Cats that carry B. henselae will not show any signs or symptoms of having the bacteria. Stray cats should not be handled especially by children and cat owners should prevent their cats from coming into contact with stray cats. Cat scratch disease is not 100% preventable but with a few precautions, it is less likely that you or your family members will contract the disease.
References:
http://www.cdc.gov/HEALTHYPETS/diseases/catscratch.h tm