Information on Cat-Scratch Disease

By: peterhutch Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial disease caused by Bartonella henselae. Most people with CSD have been bitten or scratched by a cat and developed a mild infection at the point of injury. 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. Rare complications of B. henselae infection are bacillary angiomatosis and Parinaud's oculolandular syndrome. CSD is a self-limiting disorder with an excellent prognosis, even in patients with profound manifestations. Among healthy individuals, the condition usually resolves spontaneously over 2-5 months with rare permanent sequelae. However, immunocompromised patients may experience a dramatic and potentially life-threatening course of disease. Infected cats carry the bacteria in their blood. Research so far has failed to show the growth of Bartonella henselae in cat saliva. It is thought that cats spread the infection to humans by contaminating their own saliva or nails with blood. The infected blood then enters the human body through a cat scratch, bite, or even a lick if there open skin. 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 do 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 complications of CSD. Although B. henselae has been found in fleas, so far there is no evidence that a bite from an infected flea can give you CSD. Cat scratch fever presents with tender regional lymphadenopathy, sterile suppurative papules at the site of inoculation, slight fever, headache, chills, backache, abdominal pain, malaise, alteration of mental status, and convulsions. It may take 7 to 14 days, or as long as two months, before symptoms appear. Most cases are benign and self-limiting, but lymphadenopathy may persist for several months after other symptoms disappear. The prognosis is generally favorable. In temperate climates, most cases occur in fall and winter. The disease usually resolves spontaneously, with or without treatment, in one month. In immunocompromised patients more severe complications sometimes occur. Cat scratch disease is caused by Bartonella henselae. The disease is spread through contact with an infected cat (a bite or scratch), or contact with cat saliva on broken skin or the white of the eye. About 2 - 3 weeks after becoming infection, lymph nodes swelling (lymphadenopathy) occurs near the site of the scratch or bite. Occasionally, an infected lymph node may form a tunnel (fistula) through the skin and drain. Cat scratch disease is a common cause of chronic lymph node swelling in children. A blister or sore, with or without pus or fluid, often shows up on the skin at the place where the bacteria entered the body. Within 2 weeks, the lymph glands nearby usually become swollen and tender. In most children and adolescents, swollen glands are the main symptom. Adults often have other symptoms such as low fever, tiredness, headache, and loss of appetite. About 5% of persons with cat-scratch disease develop irreversible retinitis (inflammation of the retina of the eye) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Persons with weakened immune systems can become more seriously ill. Article source: Information on Cat-Scratch Disease About: Read about Home Remedies. Also read about Gifts for Girlfriend, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Boyfriend, Gifts for Him and Acne cure, Acne Treatment and Acne Remedies