Cat scratch disease (CSD) is caused by a bacterium called Bartonella
henselae, which may be carried in the saliva of infected cats and in the
bodies of cat fleas. As the name implies, this bacterial infection is
usually transmitted from cat to human via scratches, although it can also
be transmitted via bite wounds and when a cat licks the open wounds of a
person.Among cats, this bacterium is most commonly transmitted by the bites
of infected cat fleas. Healthy adults generally recover with no lasting
effects, but it may take several months for the disease to go away
completely. People with compromised immune systems may suffer more severe
consequences, including infections of the eyes, brain, and heart. Severe
cases of CSD may require antibiotic therapy to resolve.Approximately 40 percent of cats are infected with Bartonella henselae, but
most show no signs of disease. Antibiotics do not reliably cure infection
in these cats and are not current.
henselae, which may be carried in the saliva of infected cats and in the
bodies of cat fleas. As the name implies, this bacterial infection is
usually transmitted from cat to human via scratches, although it can also
be transmitted via bite wounds and when a cat licks the open wounds of a
person.Among cats, this bacterium is most commonly transmitted by the bites
of infected cat fleas. Healthy adults generally recover with no lasting
effects, but it may take several months for the disease to go away
completely. People with compromised immune systems may suffer more severe
consequences, including infections of the eyes, brain, and heart. Severe
cases of CSD may require antibiotic therapy to resolve.Approximately 40 percent of cats are infected with Bartonella henselae, but
most show no signs of disease. Antibiotics do not reliably cure infection
in these cats and are not current.
