$Unique_ID{BRK01359}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is There Really an Illness Called "Cat-scratch Fever"?}
$Subject{cat-scratch fever infections infectious cat scratch disease csd
infection gram-negative bacillus lesion filled liquid pustule vesicle enlarged
lymph node glands fatigue fever pet bacteria cats diseases lesions pustules
vesicles nodes gland pets community social}
$Volume{A-22,Q-0}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There Really an Illness Called "Cat-scratch Fever"?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  Is there really an illness called "cat-scratch fever"?  Our cat
seems fine, but when my husband developed some flu like symptoms recently, the
physician made this diagnosis.  We are now concerned about the children.  Can
you tell us what you know about this weird disease?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  There certainly is such an illness, now officially designated as
Cat-Scratch Disease (CSD), which for a long time had doctors scratching their
heads in bewilderment.  Although the search went on for years, no germ could
be identified that could be considered the cause of the infection.  It wasn't
until 1983, that a gram-negative bacillus was found in the swollen lymph
glands of these patients, now called the Cat-Scratch Bacillus (what else?)
that provided the needed answer.  The illness takes from 3 to 10 days to
develop after the scratch.  A lesion filled with liquid (a pustule or vesicle)
can be found at the site of the scratch, and a single enlarged lymph node
develops in the region of the scratch, for example in the armpit for a scratch
on the arm.  Some patients report fatigue and about a third of all patients
develop a fever of 101 F or more which can last for as long as 1-2 weeks.
There is no specific treatment, and antibiotics do not shorten the illness.
Since the infection does not always produce symptoms, your children may
already have been exposed to the germ and developed an immunity to it.
Experts on the subject do not recommend that you get rid of your pet, which
only harbors the bacteria for a short time.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.