Cat Scratch Fever/Disease (Bartonellosis) Symptoms and Treatments

Cat scratch fever affects about 22,000 people each year, with the majority occurring in the months September thru January. Patient, especially children and young adults, commonly present with enlarged tender lymph nodes of unknown cause of several weeks duration. These patients often undergo lymph node biopsy to rule out lymphoma, a condition unrelated to cat scratch disease. Once thought to be caused by a virus, the majority of occurrences are now believed to be caused by a new described rickettsial organism called Rochalimaea henselae. A smaller number of cases may be caused by a gram negative bacteria named Afipia felis. Both have been found in infected tissue of patients with cat scratch disease.

The cat being an asymptomatic carrier of the infection, is able to transmit the disease to humans only during a 2-3 weeks period. In 90% of the cases there is a history of a bite, lick or scratch. This suggests the infective organism is carried in the cat's mouth and may be transferred to its claws during self-grooming. 3-10 days after exposure, a raised red sore develops at the site of transmittal. This occurs in about half the cases. There maybe a red streak up the arm or leg. In all cases there is tender enlargement of lymph nodes in the armpit, neck or groin. The lymphadenopathy may persist for 2-5 months.

Less than 5% of those infected develop generalized signs such as low grade fever, fatigue, headache and loss of appetite. In rare cases there is involvement of the spleen, brain, joints, eyes, lungs and other organs. In immunosuppressed individuals the disease can be life threatening.

Recently, there have been multiple cases of infection by microorganisms called Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae. Early symptoms may include fever, weight loss, excessive sweating, chills, and painfully enlarged lymph nodes. These may be followed by inflammation of the eye and subsequent retinal detachment that may result in neuroretinitis with partial or total loss of vision. All people infected by Bartonella had a history of cat scratch or bite.

Recommended Treatment: Consult your physician and follow the recommendations for diagnostic tests and treatment.

Prevention: Wash all bites and cat scratches promptly. Do not allow cats to lick open wounds.

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