| Cat scratch disease usually occurs in children after being scratched or bitten by a kitten infected with the Bartonella henselae bacteria. A papule or pustule usually develops at the site of the scratch, and then about one to two weeks later, the child's lymph glands become swollen (lymphadenopathy). Other symptoms may include fever, although it is usually mild.
Atypical presentations of cat scratch disease do occur, but are less common, and may include persistent high fever, conjunctivitis (Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome), encephalitis, and granulomas in the liver and/or spleen.
Although sometimes painless, the involved lymph nodes may become tender, red or warm (lymphadenitis) and they may drain spontaneously (suppuration).
Testing for cat scratch disease, although usually not necessary, is possible. A blood test to check for antibodies (IgG and IgM) against B. henselae can help to determine if your child is infected.
Treatment is also usually unnecessary, but symptoms may improve with a course of antibiotics, usually Zithromax, Bactrim, Erythromycin or Gentamycin (if IV antibiotics required). For typical cases of cat scratch disease, symptoms will improve without treatment.
Surgical excision is sometimes necessary for chronically infected lymph nodes, especially those with persistent drainage.
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