What is Cat Scratch Fever?

The first time I heard this phrase was in the lyrics of a heavy metal song. It almost doesn't sound like a real illness. I think we're all aware that any scratch or bite from an animal can easily become infected so it's important to clean any would immediately. Cat Scratch Fever, now more often called Cat scratch Disease, goes well beyond a little local pain and swelling, and knowing more about it is a good first step to keeping us all safe and healthy.

Cat Scratch Disease is an infection caused by a rickettsia bacterium called Bartonella. It is most often associated with a scratch, or less often, a bite from a cat. Although theoretically it can also be transmitted if an infected cat licks an already existing open wound. Children, and those with compromised immune system are at the greatest risk, as are veterinarians and staff since they tend to do things that tick cats off. Symptoms include:

1. A pimple-like skin lesion at the site of the scratch
2. Local lymph node swelling
3. Fever

In addition to these symptoms, infected individuals reported that the swollen lymph nodes are quite painful. The disease is self-limiting (meaning it will go away on its own after it has run its course), but it can take several months. In people with compromised immune systems the disease can develop complications and become much more serious. Treatment with antibiotics can shorten the duration of the infection, so medical attention should still be sought.

Bartonella is prevalent in cats. Most estimates say that around 40% of cats are carriers. There seems to be some mystery as to the exact mode of transmission. In some human cases of Cat Scratch Disease there was no contact with a cat at all, suggesting it may be possible to acquire the illness from the environment, although this is exceedingly rare. The vast majority of cases have been traced back to kittens less than one year of age. It is also suspected that fleas play an important role in transmitting the bacteria from one cat to another, but not to humans. If infected cats are housed with uninfected cats there isn't transmission between cats unless there are also fleas present; another good reason to use flea prevention on your pets. When cats become infected a minority will develop mild illness with fever. Most show no symptoms at all, but carry the bacteria in their system for many months.

Prevention includes the obvious steps of avoiding bites and scratches, and immediately cleaning any wounds that do occur, as well as treating and preventing fleas. It is very easy during a hectic day to neglect cleaning what seems like a minor scratch, but that simple step could save a lot of time and discomfort down the road.