Cat Scratch Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Are you aware of the fact that cat scratch disease is caused by bacteria in the flea faeces? It is extremely pathetic to imagine, but it is absolutely true. It can even be transmitted to humans through a scratch or by a bite of an infected kitty.

So, the question is how do cats acquire Cat Scratch Disease? The chief culprit that spreads this disease are fleas that carry Bartonella henselae bacteria that happens to be the most prevalent bacteria associated with Cat Scratch Disease. When a kitty acquires fleas, these pesky parasites leave flea dirt on the cat. When the feline scratches or chews herself, the flea dirt gets under her claws. Then the feline can transmit this disease to humans through bites or scratching. This is done usually while playing.

It has been researched and estimated that approximately 40% of all cats carry bacteria associated with Cat Scratch Disease sometime in their life. The problem is that the cats that carry the bacteria never show the symptoms of the disease. On top of this, there is no single test that can aid in diagnosing the Cat Scratch Disease in felines. Hence, a clear diagnosis is required only in cases where the cat seems to be seriously ill. Antibiotics can be given to the feline to treat Cat Scratch Disease but it is not entirely effective. 

Let us now look at some of the symptoms of Cat Scratch Disease in humans:

·         Fever

·         Headache

·         Joint pain

·         Lethargy/fatigue

·         Loss of weight

·         Skin irritations and/or bumps

The diagnosis of Cat Scratch Disease in human beings is done by evaluating the symptoms and finding the most recent contact with the cat or kitten. In case of a doubt, a blood test needs to be conducted to look for the reaction to the infection by the immune system of the human being. It usually takes first two months for the reaction to show up after an infection. In certain cases, a sample from a lymph node may be observed under a microscope to aid the diagnosis.

It has generally been observed that Cat Scratch Disease gets treated on its own since it is rarely serious. If you have been infected with Cat Scratch Disease, it is unlikely to happen again. Let us now look at the treatment of Cat Scratch Disease:

In most of the cases, skin signs vanish within three weeks and lymph node swelling vanishes within four months. The doctor might recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain, fever or headache. If there is pain in any body part, apply heat compresses on the affected area. If the lymph node becomes large, painful or badly infected, a procedure needs to be conducted to drain the node or get rid of it.

If you have been bitten by a cat, there is a high risk of infection with other bacteria which would require antibiotics or tetanus booster. If you see any of the signs mentioned in this write-up after contact with a feline, rush to your doctor. Do take proper care and everything will be alright!!!

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