| Cat Scratch Disease |
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Cat Scratch Disease (CSD), also known as Cat Scratch Fever, is an infectious disease of humans. Evidence is increasing that the cat becomes infected with the causative organism, but it does not appear to produce disease in the cat. Very little is known or understood about the role as of the cat as a reservoir for this disease. Contributing factors A cat scratch is sometimes, but not always, associated with this disease. In one study, 99% of patients with CSD had exposure to cats. An increased risk of transmission is present when a kitten is involved, as opposed to adult cats. Most cases are reported in the fall and winter, but the reason for its apparent seasonality remains unknown. Clinical signs Antibodies are proteins, which are produced by the immune system in response to some stimulus. About 5% of the This is generally a mild disease in humans. Many people experience only fever, chills, and lethargy that last a few days. Unless the skin test is performed or the organism is cultured, it may be diagnosed as influenza. However, the more severe forms of the disease will produce very high fevers, marked lethargy, anorexia, and swollen lymph nodes, usually in the axillae (armpit) or groin. The lymph nodes may enlarge to the point of rupturing, or they may need to be opened surgically to establish drainage and relieve pain. Cause The cause of CSD has recently been identified as a bacterium called Bartonella henselea. A cat scratch is not necessary to transmit the organism; contact alone is sufficient. The role of fleas and ticks in the life cycle and transmission of the organism is an area of research interest at present. Diagnosis The organism does not appear to cause disease in the cat. When humans are infected, the physician may make a diagnosis based upon clinical signs, exposure to cats, blood tests, and studies of lymph node biopsies. Treatment The appropriate course of therapy will be prescribed by your physician. In many cases, the disease is self-limiting and requires little or no treatment. In others, antibiotics, pain medication, and bed rest may be indicated. Prognosis The disease is usually self-limiting. It runs a course of several days to several weeks and then subsides. Even the severe forms respond to treatment within a few days although complete recovery may take several weeks. Transmission to humans The cat is involved because many cases of CSD are preceded by a cat scratch. Our best understanding of the cat's involvement is as follows:
One should be very concerned about a family member having CSD. However, indefinitely banning cats from one's household is generally not warranted. It has been shown that less than 10% of family members scratched by the same cat develop the disease. In addition, there has not been a person recorded as having had the disease twice. Prevention At present, there is no available test to determine which cats carry the CSD organism. General considerations are as follows:
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