Cat scratch fever

Description

Cat scratch fever or bacterial infection after cat scratch. Cause of the disease is bacteria bartonela (Bartonella henselae) which is transmitted to humans by cat scratch or bite or exposure of open skin to the saliva of the cat. Symptoms of swelling of lymph nodes (lymphodenopathy) appear in about two weeks after the infection. Fever and general exhaustion precede the swelling. Disease often disappears without treatment, but it can become very serious in persons with weakened immune system.

Symptoms

Elevated temperature, headache and exhaustion followed by swelling of lymph nodes. Blister may appear on the spot of the injury. Other symptoms can include loss of weight, poor apetite and pain in throat.

Overview

Anamnesis will be taken and medical examination will be done. Diagnosis is usually given on the basis of appearance of swollen lymph nodes and history of the exposure to the cats. Indirect immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) is rarely done.

Tests

Lymph nodes biopsy

Additional analyses

Indirect immunofluorescent antibody (IFA)

Specialists

General Practice, Infectology, Internal Medicine

Therapy

Treatment is usually not necessary. In cases of prolonged effect or in persons with weakened immune system antibiotics are used, including: azithromycin ciprofloxacin or doxycycline.