Can you recover from cat-scratch disease?
Antibiotics may be used to speed recovery in cases of acute or severe illness but most people do not require treatment. Recovery occurs spontaneously within 2 to 4 months.
What are the symptoms of Bartonella in cats?
For cats that do become sick, the illness usually consists of fever for 2-3 days, with the cat recovering on its own. Symptoms requiring veterinary care include fever, vomiting, lethargy, red eyes, swollen lymph nodes or decreased appetite.
How long does Bartonella last in cats?
B. henselae infections in cats, also known as feline bartonellosis, may occasionally cause a self-limiting, transient, febrile illness that lasts for approximately 48-72 hours.
Is CSD serious?
Although rare, CSD can cause people to have serious complications. CSD can affect the brain, eyes, heart, or other internal organs. These rare complications, which may require intensive treatment, are more likely to occur in children 5-14 years of age and people with weakened immune systems.
How is cat scratch disease diagnosed?
The diagnosis of cat-scratch disease is usually confirmed by a history of cat exposure and antibodies to Bartonella henselae. Most cases of cat-scratch disease are self-limited and do not require antibiotic therapy.
How long does it take to recover from Bartonella?
Although in most patients the disease resolves spontaneously within 2-4 months without treatment, in people with severe cases and/or patients with a suppressed immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, antibiotic treatment is recommended.
Is Bartonella in cats curable?
Although treatment decreases the level of bacteremia in cats, the infection may not be cleared. Further, even if an infection is cleared, treated cats are susceptible to re-infection with Bartonella.
Is Bartonella fatal in cats?
Most cats are treated with a round of antibiotics, go back for a follow-up test a few months later, and exhibit no further problems. Fortunately, bartonella is not a deadly disease, but it is still one that pet parents should be aware of and know how to prevent.
Is Bartonella curable in cats?
Do cat scratches need antibiotics?
Most cases of cat-scratch disease are self-limited and do not require antibiotic treatment. If an antibiotic is chosen, azithromycin has been shown in one small study to speed recovery.
When was cat scratch disease discovered?
Cat-scratch disease (CSD) initially was described in 1931, but the etiologic agent (Bartonella henselae) was not elucidated until decades later.
Is cat-scratch disease serious?
Cat scratch fever usually isn’t serious and generally doesn’t require treatment. Antibiotics can treat people with serious cases of cat scratch fever or weakened immune systems.
What kind of bacteria causes cat scratch disease?
Cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae bacteria. Most infections usually occur after scratches from domestic or feral cats, especially kittens. CSD occurs wherever cats and fleas are found.
How to tell if your cat has cat scratch disease?
Cat scratch disease (CSD), Bartonella henselae 1 Low-grade fever 2 Enlarged, tender lymph nodes that develop 1–3 weeks after exposure 3 A papule or pustule at the site of the scratch
When does cat scratch disease occur in North America?
Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is the most common human infection caused by Bartonella species. CSD has worldwide distribution and has been described in all areas of North America. In northern temperate zones, it occurs more often in August through October, usually in humid, warm locales.
Who are the doctors that treat cat scratch disease?
STEPHEN A. KLOTZ, MD; VOICHITA IANAS, MD; and SEAN P. ELLIOTT, MD, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona Am Fam Physician. 2011 Jan 15;83 (2):152-155. Patient information: See related handout on cat-scratch disease. Cat-scratch disease is a common infection that usually presents as tender lymphadenopathy.
