Cat- Scratch Disease
The cat-scratch disease is a viral disease associated with cat scratch or cat bite, characterized by a skin lesion associated with a regional enlargement of a lymph node. This disease is also known as Benign Inoculation ; Lymphoreticulosis; and Nonbacterial Regional Lymphadenitis.
The disease was first described in 1950 by Debre and associates. This is being transmitted by cutaneous inoculation by a cat, commonly a less than 6 month old kitten. It is more common in children than adults, with a peak incidence between 5 and 10 years.
Clinically, after an incubation period of about one to two weeks, red papules of 2 to 5 mm in diameter at the site of the skin inoculation may appear. Then in 1 to 4 weeks, lymph node enlargement may be noted at the axillary, submandibular, cervical, epitrochlear, femoral and inguinal areas. This node may become painful while the overlying skin becomes inflamed and indurated. Some may result to pus formation in the sinus tract. The lymphadenitis lasts four to six weeks or up to three months in rare cases.
But what is most important of this cat- scratch disease is its serious complication and that is involvement of the Central Nervous System as encephalitis. There will be alteration inthe level of consciousness, headache and muscle weakness. Recovery may occur although some patients will have long convalescent period.
Other less serious complications are the following:
– mesenteric lymphadenopathy
– pneumonia
– arthritis
– thyroiditis
– anicteric hepatitis
As for the management and treatment, there is nothing specific. The suppurative nodes are aspirated. Other manifestations are treated symptomatically. The lymph node enlargement may subside in about two months.