Cat scratch disease

Cat diseases are susceptible mainly to cat owners. Bacterium bartonella (Bartonella henselae) is the causative agent of thisdisease. It is worth noting that not only cats can be carriers of this pathogen, but also dogs. For pets, Bartonella poses no threat, as it is natural for them and can live in the blood of the animal for quite a long time. Bartonella penetrates the animal's body through flea bites, which become infected from other cats or dogs.

In the human body, a bacterium penetrates through scratches or bites, applied to the animal. Even a small scratch is enough for a person to get infected. It is also worth noting that this bacterium is not transmitted from person to person.

Cat Scratch Disease: Symptoms

The incubation period lasts 2-3 weeks. During this time, the scratch caused by the cat, alreadyheals, but suddenly the inflammatory process begins in its place, and a small sore appears. There is also an increase in body temperature to 38-39 ° C. Very often, the disease is accompanied by headaches and muscle pains, rashes on the skin and impaired bowel function.

The bacterium Bartonella leads to inflammation of the nearest to the scratch lymph nodes. Having reached the maximum value, the lymph nodes themselveswith time diminish. But sometimes lymphonoduses independently are opened because of a suppuration. In addition, cat scratch disease can cause certain complications: meningitis and CNS damage.

Cat scratch disease: treatment

Special drugs that would affect the bacterium Bartonella, no. Therefore, all treatment of cat scratch is reduced toreception of antibacterial drugs and drugs, which are aimed at strengthening immunity. If the human immune system functions well enough, the body will independently rid itself of the bacteria in a couple of months. Do not worry that there is a second risk of the disease: the body produces a strong immunity to Bartonella. When developing various complications, you should consult a doctor who will choose the treatment you need.

It is worth noting that some people are at risk for developing cat scratch disease. They can be counted among people who havethere is a violation of cellular immune reactions. Long-term use of certain immunosuppressive drugs can cause the development of the disease. HIV-infected people are also at risk, so they should always be careful with any animals.

If you find certain symptoms of cat scratch disease, You should consult an infectious disease doctor:

• a long period of healing of scratches;


• inflammation of scratches even two days after their application;


• prolonged fever after skin damage;


• enlargement of lymph nodes and their soreness, which does not last more than 2-3 weeks;


• pain in the joints and bones.

To reduce the risk of developing a cat scratch disease, it is recommended to take certain precautions. To begin with it is necessary to process a fur of a catA persistent drug that will protect the animal from fleas. Such treatment can make a veterinarian. You can also bathe the cat with special flea shampoos. Do not forget from time to time to inspect the animal's skin for fleas or sucking ticks.

If the cat scratches or bites you or your family members, The site of damage should be washed immediately with hydrogen peroxide. Then the skin is treated with greenery or iodine.

Observing certain recommendations, you will be able to protect yourself and your family members from this disease. After all, cat's saliva can get not only on the skin, but also the mucous eye. In the latter case, redness and swelling of the eye can develop, which, you will agree, will cause a lot of trouble.