Understanding Cat Scratch Disease: Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips
Doctor explains how cute kittens can cause Cat Scratch Disease, a bacterial infection from cat bites or scratches. Learn who’s at risk, symptoms to watch for, and how to prevent and treat this condition effectively.
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Topic Breakdown
Yes, these kittens are cute, but they can cause an infection if they bite or scratch you. In this video, you're going to learn key things about Cat Scratch Disease (CSD). Cat scratches and bites can lead to Cat Scratch Disease, a bacterial infection carried in cat saliva called Bartonella henselae. Research suggests that cats may acquire these bacteria from fleas. The bacteria are then passed on from an infected cat to a human after the cat licks an open wound, or bites or scratches human skin hard enough to break its surface.
So, who’s at risk for Cat Scratch Disease? Factors that can increase your risk include being around cats on a routine basis, especially kittens that are more playful and therefore might accidentally scratch you. Not cleaning scratches or bites from a cat as soon as you get them, allowing a cat to lick any open wounds you have, or being around a flea infestation also heighten your risk. It’s important to know that Cat Scratch Fever can occur in people of all ages, but it’s most common in children and adolescents. In fact, 80% of patients with Cat Scratch Disease are less than 21 years old.
What are the symptoms of Cat Scratch Disease? The first sign is typically a small red raised spot that develops at the site of contact with infected cat saliva. This spot then changes into a fluid-filled blister that later forms a crusty sore. It usually heals without scarring in several days or months and is often mistaken for an insect bite initially. Most of these spots are found on the hands, arms, face, or neck because people often hold kittens or cats close to their chest and face.
Following this, the lymph glands become swollen and tender, most often those on the head, neck, and armpit. This condition is known as Regional Lymphadenopathy, and the lymph glands may swell up to 12 centimeters within the first two weeks of the disease. On questioning, patients often recall being licked, bitten, or scratched by a cat in the previous one to eight weeks.
About 50% of patients will experience additional signs and symptoms. These include fever, fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting, sore throat, rash, stomach pains, and an infection of the eyes known as conjunctivitis. Less common problems occur in 10% of patients and include conditions that are much rarer and typically affect people who might be immunosuppressed.
So, how is Cat Scratch Disease diagnosed? Diagnosis is typically based on a complete history, including a history of being scratched by a cat or kitten, a physical exam, and sometimes blood tests.
In terms of treatment, the good news is that in most cases, Cat Scratch Disease is a self-limiting condition. This means that over time, your body will clear the infection by itself, with most cases of the raised lymph nodes resolving by themselves in two to four months. No specific treatment is usually necessary. However, in certain cases, antibiotics might be needed, especially if patients have severe or complicated Cat Scratch Fever or persistent symptoms of Cat Scratch Disease.
Preventing Cat Scratch Disease involves a few simple steps. It's crucial to avoid being scratched or bitten by cats or kittens. If you are scratched or bitten, wash the area right away with soap and water. Don’t allow cats to lick any wounds you might have.
When should you contact your healthcare provider? If the cat scratch or bite becomes red or swollen and you develop flu-like symptoms, including headache, decreased appetite, fatigue, joint pain, or fever, you should always contact your healthcare provider.
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