Symptoms usually begin 3 to 14 days after being bitten or scratched by an infected cat. skin pustule at site of the bite or scratch usually develops 1 to 2 weeks before lymph nodes begin to swell.swollen lymph nodes near the site of the bite or scratch.Most healthy people do not develop any symptoms, but those with a mild infection usually get better without any treatment. Generally people who get CSD are either bitten or scratched by a cat before they get sick. Diseases from cats.Download a print version of this document:Ĭat Scratch Disease Fact Sheet (PDF) What is Cat Scratch Disease?Ĭat Scratch Disease (CSD) is an uncommon infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae.Bartonella infection (cat scratch disease, trench fever, and Carrión's disease).You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. The bacteria are widespread, and the test can be unreliable.Ĭats do not usually need antibiotics unless they have noticeable symptoms. ![]() Diagnosis and treatmentĪ vet can inspect a cat for fleas and make recommendations about flea prevention and avoiding scratches and bites.Ī test is available for the bacteria, but doctors do not usually recommend it for cats that have no symptoms. The infection can remain for several months in the cat, and symptoms may reappear at times of stress, for example, after trauma or surgery or alongside another illness. In rare cases, cat scratch disease can cause severe symptoms in cats. During this time, it can pass on the infection.Ĭats with the bacteria often have no symptoms, but they may have a fever that lasts for 48–72 hours. Once a cat has the cat scratch fever infection, it can carry the bacteria for several months. If a cat has fleas or visible scratches, a person may wish to practice caution when handling their cat. SymptomsĬats get the infection when they scratch and bite at fleas that infect them or fight with cats that are carriers. Most of the time, they do not show signs of illness. henselae bacteria at some point in their lives. The CDC estimate that around 40 percent of cats carry the B. However, other symptoms that might occur include:Ī person should see a doctor if they have a scratch that continues to get larger after 2 days. ![]() They may remain swollen for 2–3 weeks.įor most people, swollen lymph nodes are the only symptom. They may be warm to the touch, fluid-filled, or red. Sometimes, the lymph nodes swell as much as 2 inches across. If a person has had a bite or scratch on the arm, the lymph nodes under the arm or near the elbow may be especially tender. They usually feel like small, spongy, round or oval bumps. Lymph nodes are responsible for filtering bacteria and other particles and for creating immune system cells. ![]() ![]() This lesion may not occur in some cases, or an individual may not notice it on their body.Ī few weeks later, the lymph nodes near the lesion may become swollen or tender. Cat scratch fever does not usually cause symptoms in the first few days or weeks after exposure when the bacteria are multiplying in the body.Ībout 3 to 14 days after the infection first occurred, a person may see a small bump or blister on the contact area, most commonly on the:ĭoctors call this an inoculation lesion.
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