Thursday 18 November 2010

MRCP revision battle 53.7: Cat scratch disease

Cat scratch disease is  usually caused by bartonella henselae (a gram negative rod)

Features:
  • several erythematous, crusted lesions at site of scratch
  • regional lymphadenopathy
  • up to half of patients will feel systemically unwell

If confirmation of diagnosis is required an indirect fluorescent antibody test for bartonella is avaliable.


Treatment is generally supportive and resolution tends to occur within 2 months.

Prevention is keeping cats flea- free!