Cat scratch fever

Cat scratch fever is most frequently associated with the bite or scratch of a kitten under six month of age. The symptoms of cat scratch fever include a sore area around the place where the scratch or bite took place, and swollen glands. Cats in the warmer and more humid portions of the United States have the highest incidence of Bartonellosis. Prevalence ranges from 30-50% of all cats in warm states to 5-7% in colder states. The high-prevalence areas are the same areas where cat fleas are most common.

Cats themselves are not affected by the illness, but they serve as carriers capable of passing the illness to humans through scratches or bites. The symptoms of this atypical bartonellosis are highly variable and can be fatal. Often these are people who have undergone organ transplants, chemotherapy or have AIDS. Cat scratch fever usually needs no treatment, but when the glands are swollen for several months, sometimes antibiotics are prescribed.

The bacterium has not been conclusively identified, but it may be one with the unusual name Rochalimea. The best way to prevent it is to stay away from cats. If this is not desirable, a person can avoid situations in which he or she is likely to be bitten or scratched.

The most common symptom is a swollen lymph node, usually in the armpit or neck. In cats, 2-4 week treatment with doxycycline or enrofloxacin alleviates symptoms of the disease. Treated cats are still subject to relapse or carrier states. Cat scratch fever can cause problems for people who have weak immune systems.