Cat Scratch Fever [posted 11/3/98]
Question: My 13 year old son fell off his bike and injured his arm. He had quite a bit of swelling from the elbow to the shoulder. His doctor and the orthopedic surgeon that we were referred to ordered multiple x-rays as well as two MRIs. His white blood count was slightly elevated. Blood
work was positive for Cat Scratch Fever. No symptoms were present prior to the fall. Is it possible that the injury to the arm caused the symptoms to appear? He does recall being scratched by a cat approximately three months ago. The doctor wants to aspirate the lymph nodes but does not seem to think antibiotics are necessary. Is this common? Thanks for any answers you can provide.
Answer: Cat Scratch Fever occurs from a scratch from young felines only. It is a self limited disease and usually does not require antibiotics unless there are prolonged systemic problems or an immune deficiency. It has a great name, but, isn't usually much of a problem.
Cat Scratch Fever [posted 8/14/98]
Question: I recently had a lymph node removed and was told I had cat scratch fever. I am wondering how long my lymph nodes will be enlarged and should I still be finding more swollen lymph nodes as time goes by? I was diagnosed 5 months ago and today found another swollen lymph node. I also have been breaking out with acne and wondered if that had anything to do with the cat scratch fever?
Answer: Cat scratch fever is generally self limited and lasts 2-4 weeks with lymph node symptoms. It can be treated with antibiotics, but does not markedly change any symptoms, etc.
Cat Scratch Fever
Question: What is Cat Scratch Fever, how is it treated?
Answer: Cat Scratch Fever is caused by Rochalimaea hensleae, which is a gram negative bacillus. For some reason it appears to be mainly transmitted by kittens although mature cats and occasionally dogs will transmit the disease. It is picked up in the soil and transmitted by a scratch or bite. The disease is usually self limited and does not require treatment. However, treatment is usually by erythromycin or doxycycline or ciprofloxin.
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