Cat Scratch Disease (Bartonella henselae Infection)

What is cat scratch disease?

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial disease in people caused by Bartonella henselae. (Remember Ted Nugent’s Cat Scratch Fever hit from the 70’s?) Most of the over 22,000 people infected each year with CSD have been bitten or scratched by a cat and developed a mild infection at the point of injury. Over 2,000 people/year are infected and require hospitalization. Lymph nodes, especially those around the head, neck, and upper limbs, become swollen. Additionally, a person with CSD may experience fever, headache, fatigue, and a poor appetite. Children may develop an infectious mononucleosis like syndrome. Rare complications of B. henselae infection are bacillary angiomatosis and Parinaud’s oculoglandular syndrome. Antibiotics can shorten the clinical course of the CSD, which usually lasts 6 to 8 weeks if untreated.

Can my cat transmit Bartonella henselae to me?

Sometimes, yes, cats can spread B. henselae to people. Most people get CSD from cat bites and scratches. Kittens are more likely to be infected and to pass the bacterium to people. About 40% of cats carry B. henselae at some time in their lives. Cats that carry B. henselae may not show any signs of illness; therefore, you cannot tell which cats can spread the disease to you. People with immunocompromised conditions, such as those undergoing immunosuppressive treatments for cancer, organ transplant patients, and people with HIV/AIDS, are more likely than others to have severe complications of CSD. However, more people with healthy immunes systems are infected with Bartonella sp. than immunosuppressed ones. Although B. henselae has been found in fleas and ticks, so far there is no evidence that a bite from an infected flea or tick can give you CSD.

How can I reduce my risk of getting cat scratch disease from my cat?

Avoid “rough play” with cats, especially kittens. This includes any activity that may lead to cat scratches and bites. Wash cat bites and scratches immediately and thoroughly with running water and soap. Do not allow cats to lick open wounds that you may have.

Control fleas and ticks 100%, which means all in-contact pets are put on effective control products such as Revolution or Frontline Plus monthly treatment and preventatives. If the pet’s environment is visibly infested then applying insect growth regulators (IGR) with active ingredients such as Precor or Nylar will help the problem in a quicker fashion. Most of the IGR’s are available in combination with adult flea and tick killers. Be sure to read instructions carefully and keep your cats out of the area until all products have dried.

If you develop an infection with pus and pronounced swelling where you were scratched or bitten by a cat, or develop symptoms, including fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue, contact your physician.
How do I know if my cat is infected?

While many cats do not have outward signs of disease, clinical signs can include chronic gum disease (gingivitis), upper respiratory disease (rhinitis and sinusitis), eye infections (conjunctivitis), chronic vomiting and diarrhea, as well as enlarged lymph nodes and fevers of unknown origin. Your veterinarian can test your cat by sending a drop of blood to the National Veterinary Laboratory. A Western Blot (FeBart) test will determine if your cat has been exposed to Bartonella bacteria. If your cat is strongly positive your veterinarian may prescribe the antibiotic azithromycin for 3 weeks. How do I know if the therapy was successful? A comparative titration test should be run on you cats’ blood 6 months after the end of therapy to determine the antibodies have been significantly decreased, which signifies the elimination of the Bartonella organisms.

For more information on the web: www.natvetlab.com