Cat-Scratch Disease

Cat-scratch disease is a bacterial infectious disease mainly caused by Bartonella henselae which, as the name suggests, may occur after a cat bite or scratch (especially by kittens). The disease is typically characterized by fever, a papule or pustule at the inoculation site and enlarged lymph nodes that develop 1-3 weeks after exposure. While the majority of infections show a mild and spontaneous course, further potentially life-threatening complications may occur particularly in immunosuppressed people (e. g. HIV patients), such as endocarditis, peliosis hepatis and bacillary angiomatosis. There are a variety of aspects of major occupational importance particularly for agriculturists, veterinarians and livestock breeders. This article reviews the current knowledge about epidemiology, pathology, diagnostics, therapy and prevention.