Cat Scratch Disease

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Bartonella Henselae Infection Bartonella Henselae Infection is also known as “Cat Scratch Disease”. This is a bacterial disease caused by Bartonella Henselae. The causative organism was first thought to be Afipia felis, but this was disproved by demonstrating that cat scratch fever patients developed antibodies to another organism, Bartonella henselae, which are rod-shaped Gram-negative bacteria. This can enter the human body by being bitten or scratched by a cat and developed a mild infection where contact occurred. About 40% of cats carry this disease most of which are kittens. The bacteria doesn’t present any harm to the cat therefore you can’t tell by looking at it if it is a carrier. Bartonella bacteria are known to be carried by fleas, body lice and ticks as well as cats. People with tick bites and no known exposure to cats have acquired the disease. The best way to reduce your risk of being infected with this rare bacteria is to avoid rough play with cats and if you are ever scratched or bitten to wash the womb immediately. Symptoms won’t appear till 7 to 14 days. First signs of the infection are fever, fatigue, headache, poor appetite, and an unusual, streaked rash. As well as swollen glands are common around the head, neck, and arms. Generally, cat scratch disease is not serious. Medical treatment is not usually needed. In severe cases, treatment with antibiotics such as azithromycin can be helpful. Other helpful treatments are with rifampin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, clarithromycin, and azithromycin. In one placebo-controlled study, azithromycin therapy was associated with more rapid decrease in size of infected lymph nodes. The majority of cases of cat-scratch disease occurring in normal hosts do not require anti-infective therapy for resolution of infection. So my word of advice to help lower your risk of being

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