1. Cat-Scratch Disease Unraveling Mysteries Associated with catscratch disease, Bacillary Angiomatosis, and Related agents responsible for cat-scratch disease, bacillary angiomatosis, and related http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol1no1/regnery.htm

EID Volume 1 * Number 1 January-March 1995 Synopsis Unraveling Mysteries Associated with Cat-Scratch Disease, Bacillary Angiomatosis, and Related Syndromes Russell Regnery, Ph.D., and Jordan Tappero, M.D. National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA Download Article The search for the infectious agents responsible for cat-scratch disease, bacillary angiomatosis, and related syndromes has a long and often circuitous history. Recognition of the etiologic agents and a new understanding of the fundamental features of the epidemiology and natural history of modern day Bartonella (formerly Rochalimaea)-associated diseases culminate a multipartite story that combines clinical medicine, traditional microbiology, and novel technological approaches to solve a long-standing enigma. The quest for the etiologic agent of cat-scratch disease (CSD) has frequently been described as a mystery . Indeed, the search has many qualities of a mystery novel; the pursuit has spanned several decades and recently taken several unexpected turns. During this period of important discovery, major microbial suspects have undergone name changes, novel microbial culprits have been introduced, new groups of affected patients have been recognized, and yet significant questions remain to be answered. Scientific and medical interest has been high; approximately 900 publications have dealt with CSD since the first good clinical description of the disease in 1950

2. Cat-Scratch Disease Features cause, symptoms, complications, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. http://www.astdhpphe.org/infect/Catscratch.html

Cat-Scratch Disease Cat-scratch disease is a bacterial disease that results from a scratch or bite by a cat. Persons with cat-scratch disease can have a range of illnesses from mild to severe. Cat-scratch disease usually causes swollen lymph glands near the site of the scratch or bite. Most people get better on their own in about 3 weeks. To prevent cat-scratch disease, avoid provoking cats and kittens. Thorough cleaning of cat scratches and bites might also help. What is cat-scratch disease? Cat-scratch disease is an infectious disease that results from a scratch or bite by a cat. Persons with cat-scratch disease can have a range of illnesses from mild to severe. What is the infectious agent that causes cat-scratch disease? Cat-scratch disease is caused by Bartonella henselae , a bacterium. Where is cat-scratch disease found? The bacterium that causes cat-scratch disease is found in all parts of the world. The bacterium is carried by cats and kittens. Infected animals do not become sick. How is cat-scratch disease spread?

3. Cat-scratch Disease Features cause, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention. http://www.ehendrick.org/healthy/000273.htm

MAIN SEARCH INDEX Cat-scratch disease Definition Description Causes and symptoms Diagnosis ... Resources Definition Cat-scratch disease is an uncommon infection that typically results from a cat's scratch or bite. Most sufferers experience only moderate discomfort and find that their symptoms clear up without any lasting harm after a few weeks or months. Professional medical treatment is rarely needed. Description Cat-scratch disease (also called cat-scratch fever ) is caused by the Bartonella henselae bacterium, which is found in cats around the world and is transmitted from cat to cat by fleas. Researchers have discovered that large numbers of North American cats carry antibodies for the disease (meaning that the cats have been infected at some point in their lives). Some parts of North America have much higher rates of cat infection than others, however. Bartonella henselae is uncommon or absent in cold climates, which fleas have difficulty tolerating, but prevalent in warm, humid places such as Memphis, Tennessee, where antibodies were found in 71% of the cats tested. The bacterium, which remains in a cat's bloodstream for several months after infection, seems to be harmless to most cats, and normally an infected cat will not display any symptoms. Kittens (cats less than one year old) are more likely than adult cats to be carrying the infection. Bartonella henselae can infect people who are scratched or (more rarely) bitten or licked by a cat. It cannot be passed from person to person. Although cats are popular pets found in about 30% of American households, human infection appears to be rare. One study estimated that for every 100,000 Americans there are only 2.5 cases of cat-scratch disease each year (2.5/100,000). It is also unusual for more than one family member to become ill; a Florida investigation discovered multiple cases in only 3.5% of the families studied. Children and teenagers appear to be the most likely victims of cat-scratch disease, although the possibility exists that the disease may be more common among adults than previously thought.

4. Cat-Scratch Disease - DrGreene.com Dr. Alan Greene explains the mystery surrounding cat scratch disease, past and present. uncovering of the cause of catscratch fever (now called cat-scratch disease) has been one of the great http://www.drgreene.com/21_821.html

QUICK SEARCH A - Z Guide Allergies Allergy Care Guide Asthma Care Guide Bedwetting Breastfeeding Childhood Obesity Diabetes Care Guide Ear Infections Genetics Immunizations Infectious Diseases Parenting Potty Training Rashes Safety Sleep About DrGreene.com Archives About Us Context Reviews Awards Readers Comments Press Room Partners and Supporters Topic Centers Contact Us Pediatric Information A-Z Guide Allergy Care Guide Asthma Care Guide Diabetes Care Guide Discussion Boards DrGreene´s Chats DrGreene´s Event Schedule FAQ Fast Facts Feature Articles Guidelines Pediatric Updates Special Feature Top Tips Community Activty Guide Advanced Search Community Central Chat Chat Schedule Cute Faces Discussion Boards Family Friendly Recipes Parent-to-Parent Resources The DrGreene Team Newsletter Prenatal Newborn Infants Toddlers Pre-Schoolers School Age Teens / Adolescents Multimedia Library Fertility Children's Health Cat-Scratch Disease I would like to know what exactly is "cat-scratch fever". I would also like to know how serious it is. Why do children get it? Do all cats have the potential to give it to them? Is it the same as germs in a paper cut? Cheryl Michalec Teacher Yadkinville, North Carolina

5. Cat-Scratch Disease catscratch disease. cat-scratch disease is a bacterial disease that results from a scratch or bite by a cat. Persons with cat-scratch disease can have a range of illnesses from mild to severe. http://www.astdhpphe.org/infect/catscratch.html

Cat-Scratch Disease Cat-scratch disease is a bacterial disease that results from a scratch or bite by a cat. Persons with cat-scratch disease can have a range of illnesses from mild to severe. Cat-scratch disease usually causes swollen lymph glands near the site of the scratch or bite. Most people get better on their own in about 3 weeks. To prevent cat-scratch disease, avoid provoking cats and kittens. Thorough cleaning of cat scratches and bites might also help. What is cat-scratch disease? Cat-scratch disease is an infectious disease that results from a scratch or bite by a cat. Persons with cat-scratch disease can have a range of illnesses from mild to severe. What is the infectious agent that causes cat-scratch disease? Cat-scratch disease is caused by Bartonella henselae , a bacterium. Where is cat-scratch disease found? The bacterium that causes cat-scratch disease is found in all parts of the world. The bacterium is carried by cats and kittens. Infected animals do not become sick. How is cat-scratch disease spread?

6. Cat-Scratch Disease Unraveling Mysteries Associated with catscratch disease, Bacillary Angiomatosis, and Related Syndromes. Cat scratch disease the mystery finally solved? http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol1no1/regnery.htm

EID Volume 1 * Number 1 January-March 1995 Synopsis Unraveling Mysteries Associated with Cat-Scratch Disease, Bacillary Angiomatosis, and Related Syndromes Russell Regnery, Ph.D., and Jordan Tappero, M.D. National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA Download Article The search for the infectious agents responsible for cat-scratch disease, bacillary angiomatosis, and related syndromes has a long and often circuitous history. Recognition of the etiologic agents and a new understanding of the fundamental features of the epidemiology and natural history of modern day Bartonella (formerly Rochalimaea)-associated diseases culminate a multipartite story that combines clinical medicine, traditional microbiology, and novel technological approaches to solve a long-standing enigma. The quest for the etiologic agent of cat-scratch disease (CSD) has frequently been described as a mystery . Indeed, the search has many qualities of a mystery novel; the pursuit has spanned several decades and recently taken several unexpected turns. During this period of important discovery, major microbial suspects have undergone name changes, novel microbial culprits have been introduced, new groups of affected patients have been recognized, and yet significant questions remain to be answered. Scientific and medical interest has been high; approximately 900 publications have dealt with CSD since the first good clinical description of the disease in 1950

7. Cat-Scratch Disease by Charles H. Booras, MD. 5/3/97. What is catscratch disease, and how do people get it? cat-scratch disease is an infection caused by bacteria (germs) carried in cat saliva. The bacteria can be passed from a cat to a human. You can get cat-scratch disease from a cat bite or cat scratch http://www.jaxmed.com/catscratch.htm

Cat-Scratch Disease by Charles H. Booras, MD What is cat-scratch disease, and how do people get it? Cat-scratch disease is an infection caused by bacteria (germs) carried in cat saliva. The bacteria can be passed from a cat to a human. Cats may get the bacteria from ticks and fleas, although this hasn't been clearly proven yet. Studies in the early 1990's found that the Bartonella henselae bacterium is responsible for the disease. Approximately 38% of household cats tested positive for the bacterium in one study from 1992. You can get cat-scratch disease from a cat bite or cat scratch. You can get the infection after a cat scratches you if the cat's paws have the bacteria on them. A cat can get the bacteria on its paws when it licks itself. Then, when the cat scratches you, the bacteria on the cat's paws and claws may be passed on to you. With a cat bite, the cat can pass the bacteria to you in its saliva. You can also get the bacteria in your eyes if you pet a cat that has the bacteria on its fur and then rub your eye with the hand you used to pet the cat. You are at higher risk if your cat sleeps with you, licks you, or is allowed outdoors. The symptoms of cat-scratch disease develop about six to eight weeks after a cat scratch, bite, or other direct contact with a cat or it's saliva. Many people who get cat-scratch disease do not ever remember being scratched or bitten by a cat.

8. Publications - Current Fact Sheets - Cat Scratch Disease Current Fact Sheets. catscratch disease. What is cat-scratch disease? cat-scratch disease is an infectious disease that results from a scratch or bite by a cat. http://www.astdhpphe.org/catscratch.asp

Expertise and support for health promotion and public health education Select a QuickLink Reports Fact Sheets News Join DHPE DHPE 1101 15th Street, N.W. Suite 601 Washington, DC 20005 Phone: (202) 659-2230 Fax: (202) 659-2339 director@dhpe.org Publications Current Fact Sheets Cat-Scratch Disease Cat-scratch disease is a bacterial disease that results from a scratch or bite by a cat. Persons with cat-scratch disease can have a range of illnesses from mild to severe. Cat-scratch disease usually causes swollen lymph glands near the site of the scratch or bite. Most people get better on their own in about 3 weeks. To prevent cat-scratch disease, avoid provoking cats and kittens. Thorough cleaning of cat scratches and bites might also help. What is cat-scratch disease? Cat-scratch disease is an infectious disease that results from a scratch or bite by a cat. Persons with cat-scratch disease can have a range of illnesses from mild to severe. What is the infectious agent that causes cat-scratch disease? Cat-scratch disease is caused by Bartonella henselae , a bacterium.

9. EMedicine - Catscratch Disease : Article By Joseph R Lex, Jr, MD CSD, catscratch disease, Parinaud oculoglandular disease, kitten scratch disease, la maladie reticulosis, catscratch fever, cat-scratch fever, regional granulomatous lymphadenitis http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic84.htm

(advertisement) Home Specialties CME PDA ... Patient Education Articles Images CME Patient Education Advanced Search Link to this site Back to: eMedicine Specialties Emergency Medicine Infectious Diseases Catscratch Disease Last Updated: December 30, 2003 Rate this Article Email to a Colleague Synonyms and related keywords: CSD, cat-scratch disease, Parinaud oculoglandular disease, kitten scratch disease, la maladie des griffes du chat, benign inoculation lymphoreticulosis, benign inoculation reticulosis, catscratch fever, cat-scratch fever, regional granulomatous lymphadenitis AUTHOR INFORMATION Section 1 of 10 Author Information Introduction Clinical Differentials ... Bibliography Author: Joseph R Lex, Jr, MD , Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Temple University Hospital Joseph R Lex, Jr, MD, is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine , and American College of Emergency Physicians Editor(s): Jeffrey Glenn Bowman, MD, MS , Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mercy Springfield Hospital;

10. Cat Scratch Cat Scratch Disease. catscratch disease (CSD) is probably the most common Bartonella infection seen by pediatricians in the US. http://home.coqui.net/myrna/csd.htm

Cat Scratch Disease DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS It can include virtually all known causes of lymphadenopathy. As a general rule the diagnosis is favored by chronicity, unilateral occurrence, tenderness and characteristic sites of involvement, such as the axillary, epitrochlear and preauricular nodes. Cervical, femoral, inguinal and generalized lymph node involvement is less specific for CSD and necessitates more care in differential diagnosis. The most common diagnoses in a series of patients with adenopathy and negative CSD skin test were pyogenic lymphadenitis or abscess (29), benign of malignant neoplasms (12), and cervical adenitis caused by mycobacteria (10). Tularemia, toxoplasmosis, plague, and Kawasaki disease must be considered because of the need for specific therapy. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT CSD is almost uniformly a self-limiting illness, regardless of antibiotic treatment. For the majority of patients with CSD, management should include conservative symptomatic care and observation. Complete resolution of lymphadenopathy usually occurs after 2 to 6 months. Patients with severe CSD (encephalopathy, neuroretinitis) may have a shortened course and thus benefit from antibiotic therapy, but choice of antibiotics is unclear. Studies by Margileth on 268 patients found that rifampin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMS-SMX) appeared to have clinical efficacy in patients with CSD (listed in order of clinical efficacy from greatest to least), but failures also have been reported after treatment with gentamicin and TMS-SMX. In addition, in vitro and in vivo antibiotic susceptibilities to Bartonella species often do not correlate and cannot be used to guide antibiotic recommendations.

11. Familydoctor.org/handouts/024.html familydoctor.org/024.xml More results from familydoctor.org Discovery Health cat scratch diseasesearch, cat scratch disease. By Danielle Zerr, MD. catscratch disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. What is going on in the body? http://familydoctor.org/handouts/024.html

Advanced Search familydoctor.org Home Healthy Living First Aid Cat-Scratch Disease What is cat-scratch disease, and how do people get it? What are the signs of cat-scratch disease? What tests are needed to diagnose cat-scratch disease? How is cat-scratch disease treated? ... Should cats be treated? Cat-Scratch Disease Printer-friendly version Email this article What is cat-scratch disease, and how do people get it? Cat-scratch disease is an infection caused by bacteria (germs) carried in cat saliva. The bacteria can be passed from a cat to a human. Doctors and researchers think cats may get the bacteria from fleas, although this hasn't been proved. You can get cat-scratch disease from a cat bite or cat scratch. You can get the infection after a cat scratches you if the cat's paws have the bacteria on them. (A cat can get the bacteria on its paws when it licks itself.) With a cat bite, the cat can pass the bacteria to you in its saliva. You can also get the bacteria in your eyes if you pet a cat that has the bacteria on its fur and then rub your eyes. Many people who get cat-scratch disease do not remember being scratched or bitten by a cat. Cat-scratch disease is not a severe illness in people who are healthy. But it can be a problem in people with weak immune systems. People with weak immune systems include those who are receiving chemotherapy for cancer, those who have diabetes or those who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

12. Discovery Health :: Cat Scratch Disease May 11, 2004 EDT. cat scratch disease. By Danielle Zerr, MD. catscratch disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. http://health.discovery.com/encyclopedias/286.html

postionList = "compscreen,hedthick,admedia,tower,nuiad"; OAS_RICH("admedia"); June 02, 2004 EDT OAS_RICH("hedthick"); cat scratch disease By Danielle Zerr, MD Cat-scratch disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. What is going on in the body? The Bartonella henselae bacteria causes a local infection at the site where it entered the body. Lymph nodes near the area become swollen 1 to 7 weeks after exposure to the bacteria. Sometimes, a small, solid skin lesion will develop at the site. Most cases of cat- scratch disease are self-limited, which means they go away on their own. In rare cases, cat-scratch disease can cause infections in other body areas, such as the following: conjunctivitis , which involves the eyes encephalitis , which involves the brain meningitis , which involves the brain and spinal cord osteomyelitis , which involves bone pneumonia , which affects the lungs People with impaired immune systems are more likely to suffer severe and complicated infections. This includes people with immunodeficiency disorders , such as HIV . People who are being treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer are also at higher risk.

13. Cat-Scratch Disease catscratch disease. by Charles H. Booras, MD. 5/3/97. What is cat-scratch disease, and how do people get it? cat-scratch disease http://jaxmed.com/catscratch.htm

Cat-Scratch Disease by Charles H. Booras, MD What is cat-scratch disease, and how do people get it? Cat-scratch disease is an infection caused by bacteria (germs) carried in cat saliva. The bacteria can be passed from a cat to a human. Cats may get the bacteria from ticks and fleas, although this hasn't been clearly proven yet. Studies in the early 1990's found that the Bartonella henselae bacterium is responsible for the disease. Approximately 38% of household cats tested positive for the bacterium in one study from 1992. You can get cat-scratch disease from a cat bite or cat scratch. You can get the infection after a cat scratches you if the cat's paws have the bacteria on them. A cat can get the bacteria on its paws when it licks itself. Then, when the cat scratches you, the bacteria on the cat's paws and claws may be passed on to you. With a cat bite, the cat can pass the bacteria to you in its saliva. You can also get the bacteria in your eyes if you pet a cat that has the bacteria on its fur and then rub your eye with the hand you used to pet the cat. You are at higher risk if your cat sleeps with you, licks you, or is allowed outdoors. The symptoms of cat-scratch disease develop about six to eight weeks after a cat scratch, bite, or other direct contact with a cat or it's saliva. Many people who get cat-scratch disease do not ever remember being scratched or bitten by a cat.

14. Cat-scratch Disease HELLENIC ASSOCIATION DERMATOLOGY VENEREOLOGY Bartonella Infections CAT SCRATCH DISEASE Bacillary Angiomatosis. Diagnosis cat-scratch disease (CSD). http://www.edae.gr/cat-scratch.html

HELLENIC ASSOCIATION DERMATOLOGY - VENEREOLOGY Bartonella Infections: CAT SCRATCH DISEASE Bacillary Angiomatosis AIDS Patients at Risk From Germs in Cats and Lice" Washington Times (12/25/97) P. A7 An Ulcerated Nodule Associated With Lymphadenopathy. Diagnosis: Cat-scratch disease (CSD). Arc Dermatol Angiomatosis bacilar Angiomatosis, and Related Syndromes Marra CM. Neurologic complications of Bartonella henselae infection. Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA. Curr Opin Neurol 1995 Jun;8(3):164-9 Atypical Cat-scratch Disease Azithromycin and Cat-scratch Disease. Benjamin Estrada, MD, University of South Alabama. [Infect Med 15(8):517, 1998. ``Although cat-scratch disease (CSD) was first described in 1950, significant progress on elucidating its pathogenesis, creating safe and accurate diagnostic tests, and defining effective treatment were not achieved until this decade. Bartonella(formerly Rochalimaea) henselae was identified as the etiologic agent of CSD in1992 (Regnery RL, et al: Lancet 1992; 339:1443-1445). The same organism wasfound to be the cause of bacillary angiomatosis, which usually affectsimmunocompromised individuals. Medscape.

15. Cat Scratch Disease In Humans Virtual Children s Hospital CQQA Cat Scratch Disease catscratch disease. (cited 2002 September 3). URL http//www.astdhpphe.org/infect/catscratch.html http//www.astdhpphe.org/infect/catscratch.html; http://www.bestfriends.org/members/health/catscratch.htm

Cat Scratch Disease in Humans By Dr. Margaret Muns, DVM In humans, cat scratch disease causes only mild illness. The symptoms include skin lesions, painful inflammation of the lymph nodes, fever, malaise, and generalized aching. Most cases of cat scratch disease do not require any treatment beyond supportive care. Cat scratch does not recur, so multiple infections within a household is rare. If a kitten is the suspected source animal, the likelihood of transmission lessens as the cat matures. Cat scratch disease typically begins after a scratch by a cat to the hand or forearm. The organism that causes the disease can also enter the skin through a pre-existing cut or sore. If the disease becomes severe, it can progress to a systemic or relapsing infection. A diagnostic test is not available to determine whether a particular cat is a carrier of cat scratch disease. Because the involved cat is healthy otherwise, euthanasia of the cat is not justified. Declawing the cat is also not recommended because infection can be transmitted through contact with open wounds that are unrelated to scratching. You should always wash any cuts, bites or scratches promptly with soap and water, and should also not allow a cat to lick any open wounds. Cat owners should discourage rough play with their cats, and children should be taught not to harass a cat to the point of scratching or biting.

16. Cat Scratch Disease Cat Scratch Disease. MM Carr DDS MD MEd. What is it? Smith DL. catscratch disease and related clinical syndromes. Am Family Physician 1997;55(5)1783-8. Back. http://icarus.med.utoronto.ca/carr/manual/catscratch.html

Cat Scratch Disease MM Carr DDS MD MEd What is it? Cat scratch disease is a granulomatous lymphadenitis, commonly related to scratches from domestic cats, and most common in the head and neck. It is caused by Bartonella henselae There are no systemic signs or symptoms. Patients, most commonly children, present with lymphadenopathy. Investigations Diagnosis can be made with a history of cat exposure, a positive Hanger-Rose skin test, and a biopsy specimen stained with Warthin-Starry silver which shows the bacilli. There is a serum immunofluorescenct antibody test for the bacteria which is newly available and relatively sensitive. Treatment The disease is self-limited. There is some beneficial effect from lymph node aspiration. Severe or persistent cases respond to erythromycin or doxycycline. References Smith DL. Cat-scratch disease and related clinical syndromes. Am Family Physician 1997;55(5):1783-8. Back Back to Table of Contents

17. PetPlace.com - Article: Bartonellosis (Cat-scratch Disease) Bartonellosis (catscratch disease), by Dr. Arnold Plotnick. If cat scratch disease spreads internally, it can cause fever, weight loss and vomiting. http://www.petplace.com/Articles/artShow.asp?artID=2904

18. Communicable Diseases - Cat-Scratch Disease catscratch disease. What is cat-scratch disease? cat-scratch disease is an uncommon illness that can be transmitted to people by pet cats. http://www.state.hi.us/doh/resource/comm_dis/cddcatsc.htm

19. Cat-Scratch Disease / AAFP Patient Information Handout Return to Index, catscratch disease. What is cat-scratch disease, and how do people get it? What are the signs of cat-scratch disease? http://www.aafp.org/afp/970400ap/970400f.html

Advanced Search Please note: This information was as current as we could make it on the date given above. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org , the AAFP patient education Web site. Cat-Scratch Disease What is cat-scratch disease, and how do people get it? Cat-scratch disease is an infection caused by bacteria (germs) carried in cat saliva. The bacteria can be passed from a cat to a human. Cats may get the bacteria from fleas, although this hasn't been proved. You can get cat-scratch disease from a cat bite or cat scratch. You can get the infection after a cat scratches you if the cat's paws have the bacteria on them. A cat can get the bacteria on its paws when it licks itself. Then, when the cat scratches you, the bacteria on the cat's paws and claws may be passed on to you. With a cat bite, the cat can pass the bacteria to you in its saliva. You can also get the bacteria in your eyes if you pet a cat that has the bacteria on its fur and then rub your eye with the hand you used to pet the cat. Many people who get cat-scratch disease do not remember being scratched or bitten by a cat. Cat-scratch disease is not a severe illness in people who are healthy. But it can be a problem in people with weak immune systems. People with weak immune systems include those who are receiving chemotherapy for cancer, those who have diabetes or those who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

20. Cat-scratch Disease catscratch disease. Definition. cat-scratch disease is an uncommon infection that typically results from a cat s scratch or bite. http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/cat-scratch_disease.html

Encyclopedia Index C Home Encyclopedia Encyclopedia Index C Cat-scratch disease Definition Cat-scratch disease is an uncommon infection that typically results from a cat's scratch or bite. Most sufferers experience only moderate discomfort and find that their symptoms clear up without any lasting harm after a few weeks or months. Professional medical treatment is rarely needed. Description Cat-scratch disease (also called cat-scratch fever ) is caused by the Bartonella henselae bacterium, which is found in cats around the world and is transmitted from cat to cat by fleas. Researchers have discovered that large numbers of North American cats carry antibodies for the disease (meaning that the cats have been infected at some point in their lives). Some parts of North America have much higher rates of cat infection than others, however. Bartonella henselae is uncommon or absent in cold climates, which fleas have difficulty tolerating, but prevalent in warm, humid places such as Memphis, Tennessee, where antibodies were found in 71% of the cats tested. The bacterium, which remains in a cat's bloodstream for several months after infection, seems to be harmless to most cats, and normally an infected cat will not display any symptoms. Kittens (cats less than one year old) are more likely than adult cats to be carrying the infection. Bartonella henselae can infect people who are scratched or (more rarely) bitten or licked by a cat. It cannot be passed from person to person. Although cats are popular pets found in about 30% of American households, human infection appears to be rare. One study estimated that for every 100,000 Americans there are only 2.5 cases of cat-scratch disease each year (2.5/100,000). It is also unusual for more than one family member to become ill; a Florida investigation discovered multiple cases in only 3.5% of the families studied. Children and teenagers appear to be the most likely victims of cat-scratch disease, although the possibility exists that the disease may be more common among adults than previously thought.

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