Cat Scratch Disease
Bartonella henselae Infection
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What Is Cat Scratch Disease?
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Barbara K. Hecht, PhD
 Cat scratch disease is an infection caused by bacteria
known as Bartonella henselae. Although about 40% of cats carry the bacteria in their saliva at some
point in their lives, cats that carry Bartonella henselae do not themselves show any
signs of illness. Most people contract the disease after being scratched or
bitten by a cat.
Since these bacteria may also be present on cat fur, it is possible to
contract the disease from petting a cat and then rubbing your eyes. Kittens are
more likely than older cats to carry the bacteria and to transmit the infection
to humans. Sometimes people who get cat scratch disease do not recall ever being
scratched or bitten by a cat.
In people who have a normal immune system, cat scratch disease is usually not
a serious illness. A small papule (a
little raised lump) develops at the site of injury within 10 days. The signs and symptoms that follow may include...
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What is cat scratch disease?
Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial disease caused by Bartonella
henselae. Most people with CSD have been bitten or scratched by a cat and
developed a mild infection at the point of injury. Lymph nodes, especially those
around the head, neck, and upper limbs, become swollen. Additionally, a person
with CSD may experience fever, headache, fatigue, and a poor appetite. Rare
complications of B. henselae infection are bacillary angiomatosis and Parinaud's
oculolandular syndrome.
Can my cat transmit Bartonella henselae to me?
Sometimes, yes, cats can spread B. henselae to people. Most people get CSD
from cat bites and scratches. Kittens are more likely to be infected and to pass
the bacterium to people. About 40% of cats carry B. henselae at some time in
their lives. Cats that carry B. henselae do not show any signs of illness;
therefore, you cannot tell which cats can spread the disease to you. People with
immunocompromised conditions, such as those undergoing immunosuppressive
treatments for cancer, organ transplant patients, and people with HIV/AIDS, are
more likely than others to have complications of CSD. Although B. henselae has
been found in fleas, so far there is no evidence that a bite from an infected
flea can give you CSD.
How can I reduce my risk of getting cat scratch disease from my cat?
- Avoid "rough play" with cats, especially kittens. This includes any activity
that may lead to cat scratches and bites.
- Wash cat bites and scratches
immediately and thoroughly with running water and soap.
- Do not allow cats to
lick open wounds that you may have.
- Control fleas.
- If you develop an infection
(with pus and pronounced swelling) where you were scratched or bitten by a cat
or develop symptoms, including fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and
fatigue, contact your physician.
How can I find more information about cat
scratch disease?
Cat-Scratch Disease in Children—Texas, September 2000—August 2001.
Morbidity
and Mortality Weekly Report.
Unraveling Mysteries Associated with Cat-Scratch Disease, Bacillary
Angiomatosis, and Related Syndromes. Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal.
January-March 1995, Volume 1, Number 1.
Epidemiologic Notes and Reports Encephalitis Associated with Cat Scratch
Disease—Broward and Palm Beach Counties, Florida, 1994. Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report. December 16, 1994 / 43(49);909,915-916.
SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Last Editorial Review: 10/9/2007
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