Causes and risk factors
Cat scratch disease is caused due to infection with bacterium Bartonella henselae or Bartonella quintana. The bacteria are transmitted to humans after a scratch or bite form from an infected cat. Infection can also occur if the infected cat’s saliva comes in contact with the open wound on a person’s body.
Clinical presentation
Vesicles or blisters or bumps at the site of bite or scratch can occur. There is enlargement of lymph nodes near the site of bite or scratch, most commonly cervical, submandibular, axillary, or periauricular. Cat scratch disease presents with signs and symptoms like fever, headache, and poor appetite. Other symptoms may include backache, abdominal pain, muscle pain, and joint pain.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. History of cat bite or scratch helps in diagnosis. Bartonella henselae IFA blood test confirms the diagnosis.
Treatment
Cat scratch disease is a self limitingself-limiting condition which does not require treatment. Symptomatic treatment is given with antipyretics and analgesics to manage fever and pain. Antibiotics are not recommended and the use is reserved only for severe cases and cases with systemic manifestation. Kids and children are commonly affected hence precautions should be taken to vaccinate the pets and avoiding close contact of children with pets.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating cat scratch disease.
Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly, the Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating cat scratch disease.
