Cat Scratch Disease (CSD)

Cats are cute pets, but cat scratches and bites can be a way of transmitting certain illnesses, like cat scratch fever.

Cat scratch disease

Cat scratch disease occurs when a type of bacteria is transmitted through a cat scratch or bite.

Causes of cat scratch disease

• A type of bacteria called Bartonella henselae causes cat scratch fever. It’s transmitted to cats through fleas, and then cats can transmit it to human beings by scratching, biting, or licking a wound that a person already has.
• Cat scratch disease is more common in children under the age of 15.

Symptoms of cat scratch disease

Symptoms of cat scratch disease appear within 3-10 days after getting scratched or bitten, and they include:

• Pain and swelling in the lymph nodes.
• Rash or papules (bumps) under the skin.
• Fever.
• Loss of appetite.
• Pain in the muscles, joints, or bones.
• Extreme tiredness.

Complications of cat scratch disease

Complications of cat scratch fever tend to manifest more in people with a weak immune system, and they occur when the disease spreads to other organs. This can cause:

• Endocarditis.
• Heart failure.
• Encephalopathy (problems in the brain function).
• Swelling in the liver and spleen.
• Inflammation in the retina, optic nerve, and conjunctiva of the eyes in addition to the nearby lymph nodes.

Diagnosis of cat scratch disease

• Physical exam.
• Blood tests.

Treatment of cat scratch disease

• Typically, cat scratch disease resolves on its own.
• Medications to manage the symptoms.

Prevention of cat scratch disease

• If you have a cut or a wound, don’t let the cat lick it.
• Try keeping the cat indoors to reduce the risk of flea bites.
• Don’t touch stray cats.
• Wash your hands after touching cats.
• If you get scratched or bitten by a cat, clean the wound with soap and water immediately and monitor yourself to see if any symptom emerges.