Cat-scratch disease: What's it, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Description of cat-scratch disease

Cat-scratch disease – bacterial infection. She can be contracted from cat scratches and bites, kitten, and sometimes dogs. Fever usually goes away without treatment, but it can sometimes lead to serious complications and requires treatment to the doctor.

Causes of cat-scratch disease

Bacterium, that causes cat scratch fever is transmitted to cats through flea bites. Then, it is transmitted to humans through scratches or bites of cats.

Risk factors for cat-scratch disease

The most common risk factor – bite or scratch of a cat or kitten.

The symptoms of cat-scratch disease

• Corky on the wound or blister, which is formed over the scratch or bite of a cat;
• Swollen, painful lymph nodes;
• Declination of fever;
• Flu-like symptoms, such as weakness, nausea, chills, anorexia, body aches;
• Some people may develop complications, such, as a very high fever or pneumonia. Severe cases can cause infection of the brain (encephalitis), hepatitis, and even death.

Diagnosis of cat-scratch disease

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. If you remember, that they have been bitten or scratched by a cat, Your doctor can diagnose the disease based on disease, swollen lymph nodes, especially near the scratches. Tests may include a blood test, especially if it is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment of cat-scratch disease

Therapies cat-scratch disease:

• Mild painkillers, such as acetaminophen;
• Antibiotics – cat-scratch disease usually goes away without treatment. Sometimes the doctor can be treated with antibiotics, to help prevent the complication of infection or the spread of infection to other parts of the body. In most cases antibiotics may be used, if you are very ill or have weakened immune systems;
• Draining lymph nodes – If the lymph nodes are very swollen or very painful, the doctor can drain them. To make it, the doctor inserts a needle into the swollen node. Fluid from the lymph node will drain through the needle.

Prevention of cat-scratch disease

To prevent cat scratch fever is recommended to perform the following:

• The best prevention against cat scratch fever – To prevent scratches and bites a cat or dog;
• If an animal bite or scratch you, immediately wash the bite with soap and water;
• Watch, to domestic animals had no fleas.