Overview
Also known as Bartonella infection, Cat scratch disease is a self-limiting infection of the regional lymph nodes due to Bartonella henselae, a Gram-negative bacterium. It usually occurs one or more weeks after a scratch.
Epidemiology
- Cat scratch disease tends to happen between autumn and winter, likely due to the breeding pattern of cats or people acquiring them as pets at these times
Presentation
Features usually arise one or more weeks following a cat scratch:
- A raised inflammatory nodule at the scratch site is often seen
- Regional lymphadenopathy and fever are also present
- This usually settles over 2-4 months
- Other features include – headache, sore throat, and malaise
