cat-scratch fever

Last reviewed 11/2023

'Cat scratch disease' can follow a bite or scratch from a cat or dog

• caused by Bartonella henselae, a Gram-negative bacillus

Catscratch fever is a rare disease characterised by:

• fever - low grade, with a headache
• lymphadenopathy - progressive
• malaise

There is a primary lesion at the site of injury (pustule or erythematous papule) - usually 3-10 days after the injury

• generally the condition is mild and resolves within 2 months - however sometimes it may complicated by:
  • pneumonia,encephalitis,or hepatitis (especially among patients with AIDS) or, rarely, by ocular complications (e.g. keratitis), in which case, specialist ophthalmological advice should be sought

Treatment is by repeated surgical drainage or aspiration of any abscess. Consult local microbiologist regarding choice of antibiotic.

See linked item regarding cat bites.

Reference:

1. Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (2004);42:65-72.
2. Adal KA et al (1994). Cat scatch disease, bacillary angiomatosis, and other infections due to rochalimaea. NEJM; 330 (21): 1509-14.