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What is Cat Scratch Disease?

Lindsay Kahl
Lindsay Kahl

Cat scratch disease, also known as cat scratch fever, is an infectious disease that is caused by a bacterium called Bartonella henselae. Cats are considered a natural reservoir for this particular type of Bartonella, which means that they can act as a long-term host for the bacteria and then transmit it to humans. An infected cat can cause cat scratch disease in humans through bites or scratches. A human also might get the infection if the cat’s saliva enters the body through broken skin or membrane.

Cats that carry the bacteria show no signs, and as many as half of all cats could carry it at some point in their lives. Kittens are more likely to be infected than adult cats. Ticks also can transmit the bacteria, but the vast majority of cat scratch disease cases are caused by felines.

Young kittens can spread cat scratch disease.
Young kittens can spread cat scratch disease.

When an individual has cat scratch disease, there usually is skin irritation, such as a bump or blister at the injury site. Some people might experience fever, fatigue, headache, or swelling of the lymph nodes. A smaller number of people with the disease experience symptoms that include chills, abdominal pain, enlarged spleen, backache, sore throat, loss of appetite and weight loss. Symptoms can manifest anytime from one week to several months after the individual first becomes infected.

Cat scratch disease may cause swollen lymph nodes.
Cat scratch disease may cause swollen lymph nodes.

Cat scratch disease is not contagious from human to human, and most cases are mild and without complications. People who have suppressed immune systems because of HIV or certain cancer treatments are more likely to have complications with an infection. If an individual has contracted the disease once, he or she most likely will not get it again.

A doctor typically will diagnose cat scratch disease with a physical examination and after asking questions regarding the patient’s recent interactions with cats. The doctor probably will want to rule out other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes and might run some skin, blood or culture tests to do so. There also is a specific blood test to determine the presence of the Bartonella hensalae bacteria.

Wash hands after playing with kittens or cats.
Wash hands after playing with kittens or cats.

Prognosis for individuals with the disease typically is excellent, particularly for those with healthy immune systems. For many people, infection goes away on its own without treatment. In the case of more severe infection, a doctor most likely will prescribe antibiotics.

People who are concerned about contracting cat scratch disease can take steps to prevent it. Some tips include avoiding rough play with kittens and cats, washing hands thoroughly after play and taking care to clean any bites or scratches immediately. There is some evidence that cats might get Bartonella hensalae from flea feces, so keeping a cat and home free of fleas also could help prevent infection.

Discussion Comments

Sporkasia

I had never heard of anyone actually having cat scratch fever disease until a friend told me her sister had it. I didn't believe my friend at first, but she assured me that her sister had been diagnosed by a doctor.

Basically, her sister had a lot of scratch marks on her arms and hands from playing with her cat. Isn't that par for the course when you have cats? However, she developed cat scratch disease symptoms like a low fever and swollen lymph nodes. She was never really sick, but the symptoms lasted a few months and it was uncomfortable at times.

Drentel

I have heard the term cat scratch fever, but mostly in reference to the lyrics from an old popular song. I thought it was simply a made up term with no medical origin. Now, I have learned that cat scratch disease is a real condition. I guess we are never too old to learn.

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    • Young kittens can spread cat scratch disease.
      Young kittens can spread cat scratch disease.
    • Cat scratch disease may cause swollen lymph nodes.
      By: Klaus Eppele
      Cat scratch disease may cause swollen lymph nodes.
    • Wash hands after playing with kittens or cats.
      By: Myimagine
      Wash hands after playing with kittens or cats.
    • Cat scratch disease usually resolves over time but could become dangerous for those with immune system problems.
      By: nico99
      Cat scratch disease usually resolves over time but could become dangerous for those with immune system problems.
    • People can become infected with cat scratch fever through a scratch or bite.
      By: Julija Sapic
      People can become infected with cat scratch fever through a scratch or bite.