Bartonella Henselae In Cats

Bartonella henselae is the bacterium that causes cat scratch disease. Up to sixty percent of cats in the United States may be exposed to the bacteria at some point in their lives. Kittens are most likely to become infected and spread the disease to humans.

If a bartonella henselae infection is transmitted to humans, it causes cat scratch disease. When a person contracts cat scratch disease from a scratch or bite from a cat with bartonella henselae, the person is likely to develop swollen lymph nodes as a sign of the disease. They may also develop a blister at the site of the cat scratch or bite.

The infected person may develop flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, the infected person may develop complications that affect the liver, spleen, lungs, bones or joints. Some people develop conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Over twenty thousand cases of cat scratch disease are diagnosed in the United States every year. The disease can occur in any part of the world.

While most cats exhibit no symptoms of being infected with bartonella henselae, a few cats will develop symptoms of an upper respiratory infection. They may have watery discharge from the eyes and a runny or crusty nose. Some cats develop a slight fever, loss of coordination, and mild loss of sensation in their paws.

If the cat has a history of flea infestation, the veterinarian may suspect the bartonella henselae bacteria. The veterinarian is likely to do a complete physical exam including checking for inflamed lymph nodes, which is a sign of bartonella henselae infection as well as other infections. For a firm diagnose bartonella henselae, the veterinarian must conduct a cell culture for the laboratory to use to identify the bartonella henselae bacteria. Bartonella henselae infections can often be successfully treated with antibiotics.

Cat flea infestation and tick bites make the cat more prone to contracting the disease. Cat fleas and ticks can carry the bacteria and infect the cat. Cat fleas are the most common organism to transmit the bacteria to cats. To reduce the risk of infection, cat owners should keep cats indoors and promptly treat any flea infestations.