Cat Scratch Disease
Cat Scratch Disease
Cat Scratch Disease (pronounced: /kæt skrætʃ diˈziːz/), also known as Bartonella henselae infection, is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans through the scratch or bite of an infected cat.
Etymology
The term "Cat Scratch Disease" is derived from the method of transmission of the disease, which is typically through a scratch or bite from a cat. The disease is caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae, named after Dr. Diane Barton who first isolated the bacterium in 1992.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Cat Scratch Disease may include fever, fatigue, headache, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), and a skin lesion at the site of the scratch or bite. In severe cases, the disease can lead to complications such as encephalopathy (brain disease) or endocarditis (inflammation of the heart's inner lining).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Cat Scratch Disease is typically based on the patient's history of exposure to cats, the presence of typical symptoms, and laboratory tests. The most definitive test is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that can detect Bartonella henselae DNA in a blood sample.
Treatment
Treatment for Cat Scratch Disease usually involves antibiotics to fight the Bartonella henselae infection. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
Prevention
Prevention of Cat Scratch Disease involves avoiding scratches and bites from cats, especially kittens. It is also recommended to wash hands thoroughly after handling a cat.
Related Terms
- Bartonellosis: A group of infectious diseases caused by bacteria in the genus Bartonella, including Cat Scratch Disease.
- Zoonosis: Any disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cat Scratch Disease
- Wikipedia's article - Cat Scratch Disease
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski