Cat scratch disease & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is cat scratch disease?

Bartonellosis or better known as cat scratch disease is a health condition caused by a cat's scratch that is infected with bacteriaBartonella henselae. Bartonela hensale is one of the most common bacteria in the world. Because about 40 percent of cats and kittens are known to be infected with this bacteria which is generally found in the mouth or claws of cats.

The infection spreads to the lymph nodes closest to your claw wound. Lymph nodes are collections of tissue that are part of the body's immune system that fights infection.

How common is cat scratch disease?

Cat scratch disease is a disease that commonly occurs in children and young adults. As many as 80 percent of cases occur in people younger than 21 years of age, with a peak between the ages of 3 and 12. Basically this disease will be more common in those who raise cats or come in contact with cats every day.

This can be overcome by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of cat scratch disease?

Symptoms can be seen a few days after scratching. First, usually a blister will appear at the bite or scratch site which often contains pus. From 1 to 3 weeks later, the lymph nodes closest to the lump will start to swell. Swelling means white blood cells (lymphocytes), which are infection-fighting cells, multiply and fight bacteria.

Other typical signs and symptoms of cat scratch disease are:

Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Fever
Muscle or joint pain
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Loss of weight

There may be some signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

The infected gland may heal on its own if the infection is mild enough. Some of the conditions that require you to see a doctor about cat scratch disease are:

Lymph nodes swell without cause
The swelling gets worse in 2-4 weeks
The skin in the swollen area feels hard and is not elastic to the touch
Prolonged fever, sweating while sleeping, or losing weight without cause

Cause

What causes cat scratch disease?

The cause of this infection is a type called bacteria Bartonella henselae. Many domestic cats have the infection but rarely show signs that they are infected. However, in severe cases the cat can have difficulty breathing and develop infections in the mouth, eyes or urinary tract.

Usually, cats can become infected with bacteria Bartonella henselaefrom scratching or biting an infected tick. In addition, fighting with infected cats can also cause the transmission of these bacteria. You can also get this disease if the saliva from an infected cat.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for cat scratch disease?

Some of the risk factors for Cat Scratch Disease are:

Owning or playing with cats
Let the cat lick the cut on your skin
Not keeping your cat's cage or environment in general clean

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for cat scratch disease?

The infection usually goes away within one to two weeks with antibiotic treatment, unless the body's immune system is not working properly. The body's immune system can handle the infection without antibiotics in mild cases.

People who are immunocompromised (eg people with HIV / AIDS) may have more severe infections and generally need antibiotics.

Rest is needed until the fever drops and energy returns. No special diet is required, but consuming more fluids during a fever usually helps. Using a hot compress on the scratch wound and taking painkillers can also help relieve symptoms.

What are the usual tests for cat scratch disease?

The doctor will diagnose the disease from a recent cat scratch history and how the scratch wound looks like, usually accompanied by blisters that turn red and dry up to become sores. The doctor may also see swollen lymph nodes, filled with pus and drying, through the skin around the area of the scratch.