Cat Scratch Fever

Dr Robert Debre identified the cat as the vector of the cat scratch disease in 1950. Catch scratch fever is a bacterial infection, which typically causes the lymph nodes to swell. This infection is usually a result of a scratch, bite or in some cases a lick from a cat. Kittens that are a few weeks old are more likely to cause the infection when compared to full grown cats.

The bacteria that causes cat scratch disease is called Bartonella henselae. For no particular reason, this disease is more likely to occur in the fall and winter when compared to summer. In America, about 20,000 cases are diagnosed annually. Majority of these cases are seen in children, as they are more likely to play with stray cats than adults.

The bacterium in the cats is spread via fleas. However, there is no evidence that the fleas transmit the disease to the humans directly. The bacteria stay in the saliva of the cat without harming the cat in anyway. Experts believe that all cats are infected with these bacteria once at least once in their lifetime.

The cat scratch disease is not contagious and is only transmitted by cats and kittens when ther saliva comes in contact with broken skin or the eye. Also, one episode of the cat scratch disease makes people immune to the disease for the rest of their lives.

Symptoms and Signs

Within a couple of weeks after the victim is scratched, bit or licked a few lymph nodes close to the area of the inoculation lesion swell and become tender. The swollen lymph nodes are usually seen in the underarm or the neck areas. However, if the victim is bit on the legs, then swelling may occur in the lymph nodes present in the groin.

Usually within a couple of weeks of a scratch or bite, a few lymph nodes close to the area of the inoculation lesion become tender and in some cases swell up (Lymph nodes are part of the immune system and are also known as glands). The swelling may range for half inch to about two inches in diameter and can also be surrounded by a general swelling under the skin. The skin over the swollen lymph nodes may turn red and can also drain pus.

Swollen lymph nodes are the main symptoms in both children and adults although in some cases the swelling may be accompanied with a mild fever usually referred to as the cat scratch fever. The fever is also accompanied with fatigue, loss of appetite, headache, sore throat and an overall felling of not being well.

If the infection is not treated in time, then the infection may spread to the liver, spleen and bones along with a lingering high fever. Some people also develop an eye infection wherein the symptoms are sores on the conjunctiva, redness of the eye and swollen lymph nodes in front of the ear. In very rare cases, victims have also developed inflammation of the brain or seizures. However, if the treatment for car scratch disease is started even at this stage, then complete recovery is usually expected.

Diagnosis

The doctors usually try to trace the exposure of the patient to a cat to diagnose cat scratch disease. Swollen lymph nodes along with a cat scratch or bite usually help the doctor identify the disease. However, the doctors may use laboratory tests in some cases to identify the disease. The tests include:

• Various skin and blood tests along with cultures to rule out any other cause for swollen lymph nodes.
• A routine blood test that for cat scratch disease.
• Microscopic examination of the swollen lymph node. These examinations can shows signs of the cat scratch disease.

Treatment

Antibiotics are usually recommended for cat scratch disease. In some cases, the swollen lymph nodes become very large and painful. In such cases a doctor will have to remove the fluid using a syringe. However, if the swelling is not very big, then warm and moist compress on the lymph nodes relieves the soreness. Some over the counter prescription drugs may also be used.

If you identify you family cat as the vector of the disease, do not worry that you will have to get rid of the cat. Cat scratch fever is a relatively rare disease and teaching your child not to play rough with the cat, which might result in scratch and bites, is usually a sufficient preventive measure. Also, keep your house clean and your pet cat free from fleas reduce the probability of your cat contracting the bacteria in the first place. A little precaution will go a long way.