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From Apply Now, former About.com Guide

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ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Cat scratch disease

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Alternative Names:

CSD; Cat scratch fever; Bartonellosis

Symptoms:

A history of contact with a cat

Common

Papule or pustule at site of injury (inoculation), usually the first sign
Swelling of the lymph nodes (adenopathy) occurs in the area near where the skin was infected (bitten, scratched, etc.)
Fever in approximately one third of patients
Fatigue
Malaise
Headache

Less Common

Loss of Appetite
Weight loss
Enlarged Spleen
Sore throat
Draining lymph nodes

Signs and tests:

A scratch or injury and a history of contact with a cat indicates that cat scratch disease is the likely cause of the lymph node swelling. In some cases, physical examination also shows an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly).

Tests used in the diagnosis of cat scratch disease:

Positive Bartonella serology
Bartonella henselae IFA test (uses fluid or tissue from a lymph node)
A lymph node biopsy to rule out other causes of swollen glands
A positive CSD skin test

Cat scratch disease

Antibodies

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