Cat Scratch disease | Cat scratch fever | CSD

Cat scratch fever or Cat scratch disease is generally described as bacterial infection which is very uncommon and you can get it from a cat scratch or bite. Fleas infest cats with the bacteria called B. henselae that can cause cat scratch disease. Symptoms like rash or bumps on your skin and swollen lymph nodes and fever. In a few weeks to months, Cat scratch disease usually goes away on its own.

Generally, Cat scratch fever or disease simply called as CSD is an illness that can be caused by the Bartonella henselae bacteria. This bacteria causes swollen lymph nodes, bumps on your skin like papules and fever. Bartonella henselae will affect you if a cat bites or scratches you or licks on an open wound you have.

People who are around cats are at high risk for getting cat scratch disease but it is more common in children who are under 15 years. If you have HIV or weakened immune system, you are at greatest risk for severe complications of this disease.

Cat scratch disease has two signs they are :swollen lymph nodes and bumps or cysts under your skin. Usually, these bumps can look like a rash or more like nodules and they are usually near your wound.

Symptoms of cat scratch fever

Generally, the symptoms of cat scratch disease will start about 3 to 10 days after a cat scratch or wound which includes:

• Bumps or cysts called papules which develop under your skin or rash.

• Lymphadenopathy is a Swollen, painful lymph nodes.

• Fever.

• Muscle, bone or joint aches.

• Loss of appetite or weight loss.

• Fatigue.

Causes of cat scratch disease

Infection with Bartonella henselae bacteria causes cat scratch disease.At any point of time, a cat will scratch or bite you or licks you in an open wound, you can get an infection called cat scratch disease . 

Transmission

Usually, fleas spread Bartonella henselae bacteria which causes cat scratch disease or fever to cats. Cats particularly kittens can have a blood infection from bacteria without any symptoms for months. Cats can also spread the disease to humans through their saliva when it comes in direct contact with an open wound. And also humans can get flea bite directly, it can also spread the cat scratch disease but this is not yet proven.

Who is at risk for cat scratch disease?

Some factors that increase your chance of getting cat scratch disease include:

• If you around with cats and kitten on a regular basis, they are very playful and then can accidentally scratch you

• Not cleaning your scratches properly or getting bites from a cat once you get them.

• If you allow a cat to lick your open wound that you have.

• Or if you are around a flea infestation

Diagnosis

To diagnose cat scratch disease or fever, you healthcare professional will do a physical examination where they will:

• if you have one, they will look at your scratch or wound.

• Look at your skin for any symptoms like rash or bumps.

• Also feel your lymph nodes.

In some cases, cat scratch disease is diagnosed with this physical examination alone. Your physician may also

• Take a blood sample to test for B. henselae bacteria

• In some rare cases, take a sample of lymph nodes fluid to test for B. henselae bacteria.

Treatment

Cat scratch disease or CSD is an illness that usually flush out on its own.Usually, treatment helps your symptoms in the meantime. Your physician prescribes the antibiotic azithromycin to get rid of the bacteria. This is because only if you have a low immune system or your symptoms have not gone away within a few months.

Manage the symptoms of cat scratch fever at home

• Taking counter medications for pain relief, like ibuprofen or naproxen.

• You can apply a warm pack  to painful lymph nodes.

If you have a large or painful lymph node, consult your healthcare professional about having it drained to get relief.

Prevention

If you are around cats, then there are a few things you can do to prevent cat scratch disease.

• You must try to avoid getting cat bites or scratches

• You must wash your hands whenever you are playing with, picking up or petting cats or kittens

• You should keep your kittens or cats indoors which helps to reduce the risk of flea bites.

• You should not pet or pick up the stray cats or kittens.

• You should not allow cats to lick scratches or wounds.

• You can ask your veterinarian doctor to protect your cat from flea bites.

• If you have a low immune level, adopt a cat which is one year older than a kitten.

Complications

Cat scratch disease will become severe if it is spreads to other organs, some complications are:

• Endocarditis

• Hepatosplenomegaly

• Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome

• Neuroretinitis

• Encephalopathy

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How is cat-scratch disease treated?

Ans: Treatment with antibiotics is usually not necessary, but may help reduce lymph node swelling.

Q2. Does a cat scratch have rabies?

Ans: Rabies is transmitted through saliva, so fortunately the chances of contracting rabies from a cat scratch are low. 

Q3. Is injection required for cat scratch?

Ans: A child who is bitten by an animal may need antibiotics, a tetanus booster, or sometimes, a series of rabies shots.

Q4. Is cat scratch disease harmful?

Ans: Although rare, CSD can cause people to have serious complications.

Q5. Is cat scratch disease permanent?

Ans: Cat scratch disease is rarely serious and usually goes away on its own in 2 to 4 months without treatment.