Cat scratch fever isn’t just a song

Q: What is cat scratch fever? Could I get it from my cat?

A: Cat scratch disease is caused by a bacteria called Bartonella. Up to 40 percent of cats may carry this bacteria at some point in their lives, many without ever showing noticeable symptoms. When scratched or bitten by an infected cat, people may contract the bacteria. Even small punctures or scratches can lead to serious infection. Infection may not be apparent for up to 10 days following a scratch.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 24,000 people are affected annually in the United States. In people, cat scratch disease leads to excessive swelling of tissue surrounding the wound and significantly delayed healing. Lymph nodes are also commonly swollen and painful. Secondary infections with other bacteria may complicate the disease. Rarely, more serious illnesses occur, especially among people with compromised immune systems. Cat scratch disease is difficult to treat and symptoms may last for several months. Generally antibiotics are not considered beneficial.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, you should contact your doctor if any of the Call your family doctor if you notice any of the following:

- A cat scratch or bite that does not heal in the usual length of time.

- An area of redness around a cat scratch or bite that continues to get bigger for more than 2 days after the injury.

- Fever that lasts for several days after a cat scratch or bite.

- Painful and swollen lymph nodes for more than 2 or 3 weeks.

- Bone or joint pain, abdominal pain (without fever, vomiting or diarrhea) or an unusual degree of tiredness for more than 2 or 3 weeks.

“Bartonella originating from cats can infect people and cause at least 24 chronic inflammatory diseases and may even cause fatalities,” according to Dr. William Hardy of the National Veterinary Laboratory, Inc. “Immunosuppressed people are more likely to have severe consequences and more likely to die from their Bartonella infection.”

Fortunately, the majority of cats that carry this bacteria can be successfully cleared of the infection. According to Dr. Hardy’s research, treatment is successful in over 80 percent of cats. He recommends using a Western Blot blood test to test cats before introducing them to a household. He strongly encourages veterinarians to test any cat experiencing chronic inflammation, like gingivitis, conjunctivitis, or upper respiratory congestion. If a cat is positive, it should be treated using special types of antibiotics for three to six weeks. Six months after treatment, a repeat Western Blot should detect a drastic drop in antibody titers.

Bartonella has been shown to be transmitted between cats through flea bites. The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends, “dogs and cats should be placed on year-round preventive flea and/or tick products as soon after birth as possible (consistent with label claims) for the life of the pet.” This is especially important in households with young children, elderly individuals, or people with compromised immune systems. Bartonella is also more commonly encountered in kittens and cats with immune system diseases, like Feline Leukemia or FIV. Effective flea control is even more essential in these pets. Although fleas are not thought to transmit the disease to people, life-long flea control may reduce your cat’s risk of carrying the bacteria.

For more information on Bartonella in cats, visit http://www.NatVetLab.com. For information on effective control of fleas, roundworms, and other cat parasites that can affect human health, visit http://www.capcvet.org and http://www.Revolution4cats.com. For extensive information on animal diseases that can affect people, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site, http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets, or talk with your veterinarian. The CDC also publishes a list of precautions for pet owners with HIV at http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/brochure/oi_pets.htm. Their suggestions are excellent for everyone, especially households with small children, senior citizens, or immune compromised individuals (diabetes, chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases, etc.).

Dr. Watts is a companion animal general practitioner and owner of Clevengers Corner Veterinary Care. He can be reached through ClevengersCorner.com or by calling 428-1000.