Who is at Risk for Cat Scratch Fever?

It's not completely understood how cats come to carry the organism, but it is believed that fleas and ticks are the vectors that carry the bacteria in their saliva. It is believed that felines get the organisms through the bites of ticks and fleas. After being bitten by infected vectors, the Bartonella henselae organism lives in the cat's saliva and can be transmitted to humans through bites, scratches or contact with saliva. Aside from being in the saliva, the infecting organism can be present under the claws and on the fur.

Symptoms of cat scratch fever in humans can occur without ever being bitten or scratched. This is especially true for adults and children with impaired immune systems. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your cat or kitten. If Bartonella henselae bacteria are on the fur, you can spread it from your hands to your eyes, nose and mouth. Cat scratch fever symptoms can occur within 10 days after being infected.

Cat scratch fever symptoms

Symptoms of cat scratch fever may include fatigue, lymph node inflammation, chills, elevated temperature, nausea and vomiting. People who have healthy immune systems are less likely to become ill from coming into contact with Bartonella henselae bacteria, but those who do become infected may have mild or more severe symptoms. The inflamed lymph nodes caused by cat scratch fever can cause significant pain and discomfort.

People who own cats and have flu-like symptoms (low grade temp, nausea, vomiting and tiredness) could have swollen, infected lymph glands. Even if you have a strong immune system, you should see your doctor to be evaluated for cat scratch fever disease.

Other symptoms associated with cat scratch fever disease include:

Blister or bump at the site of a cat scratch or bite

Headache

Draining infection from lymph nodes

Enlarged spleen

Weight loss

Loss of appetite

People most at risk for cat scratch fever symptoms

People who suffer from disorders of the immune system, such as those with lupus, HIV/AIDS, leukemia, and others are at higher risk for becoming infected with the organism that causes cat scratch fever disease. This disease can become systemic and be life threatening.

Complications of cat scratch fever disease

Severe complication of cat scratch fever can occur in people with HIV/AIDS and other immune system diseases and conditions. Cat scratch fever disease can cause enough irritation within the body so that blood vessels can grow into tissues and cause tumors. The tumor is called bacillary angiomatosis; this type of tumor can develop in the eyes, brain, lungs, liver, heart, spleen and bone marrow.

Diagnosis and treatment of cat scratch fever

If you have swollen lymph glands and you own a cat, your doctor will likely give you a complete physical examination. Your physician will look for an enlarged spleen; this is a symptom called splenomegaly. The doctor may also look specifically for the Bartonella henselae organism. A lymph node biopsy may also be done to verify or rule out the presence of the infecting organism.

People with healthy immune systems don't usually need any treatment; however, people who do get the disease are treated with antibiotics.

Conclusion

If you own cats or kittens, be sure to avoid rough play. Cats and kittens often will bite and scratch when played with roughly. It is important to wash your hands after handling your cat, because cats can spread the infecting organisms to their fur when grooming themselves. Even if you are not scratched or bitten, you could possibly transfer the bacteria via hand to eyes and hand to mouth contact.

Flea control is very important to help prevent cat scratch fever disease. Fleas carry the bacteria within their bodies and transfer the Bartonella henselae organisms to the felines with their bites. Therefore, preventing flea and tick infestations can help to prevent them from carrying the disease.

Sources

Health Guide

Medicine Net