Cat-scratch Disease

This is a specific type of infection that occurs from the scratch of a cat. It is caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae.

Occurs 2 days after scratch (present in 1/3 of patients): Infected scabbed ulcer Blister Blister with pus Occurs 1-3 weeks after scratch: Fever Lack of energy Headache Swollen lymph glands Lymph glands may swell, become tender, or exude pus Rash

Scratch or injury by a cat

Laboratory: Elevated white blood cell count Elevated sedimentation rate Biopsy of lymph nodes, if necessary, to rule out other causes

None required for typical Cat-scratch disease (resolves on its own in 1-2 weeks) Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, or Erythromycin for bacillary angiomatosis (see above) Aminoglycosides for Encephalitis (brain infection)

Encephalitis (infection spreads to brain) HIV Infection may cause the infection to spread all over the body (called bacillary angiomatosis)

Lymphoma Cancer Tuberculosis Cellulitis Abscess Lymphogranuloma venereum

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