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Published on: October 12, 2012
[Cat-scratch disease]
E Saracević1, S Sabanović, A Selimović
1Pedijatrijska klinika, Klinicki centar Univerziteta u Sarajevu.
Insights
Cat scratch disease, caused by Bartonella henselae, is a chronic infection typically following a cat scratch. This case highlights a fourteen-year-old boy successfully treated with antibiotics for splenic abscesses.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a zoonotic infection caused by Bartonella henselae.
- CSD presents as a benign, chronic illness with a low incidence rate.
- The disease typically follows contact with infected cats, often via scratches.
Observation:
- A fourteen-year-old male presented with symptoms including fever, fatigue, and joint pain.
- Imaging revealed an enlarged liver and multiple splenic abscesses.
- Serological tests confirmed elevated IgG titers for Bartonella henselae.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with cat scratch disease.
- Splenic abscesses were identified as a significant manifestation.
- Antibiotic therapy proved effective in resolving the infection.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering CSD in pediatric patients with unexplained fever and splenic lesions.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment can lead to successful outcomes without surgical intervention.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and management of CSD-related complications is warranted.
Abstract:
We report a case of fourteen years old boy with cat scratch disease. He was treated at Pediatric Clinic in January and February 2000. Cat scratch disease is benign infectious chronic disease which appears in all ages. It begins after contact with cat and its scratch. Yearly incidence of this disease for whole population is 0.77-0.86/100.000. The cause is bacillus Bartonella which is also called genus Rochalimaea. It is Gram negative, mobile, aerobe bacillus with ten flagellas on one pole. Our patient was admitted at hospital because of high temperature, paleness, fatigue, bad appetite and pains in his joint. Ultrasound and magnet resonance scans of liver and spleen showed enlarged but regulary contured liver and two focal changes with diameter 16 mm, 12 mm and 7 mm in spleen. All those focal changes were described as abscesses. Diagnose was set up according increasing titre of IF-Bartonella hensalae IgG 1:256 (positive). This diagnostic test was performed at Institute for microbiology and Immunology at Medical Faculty in Ljubljana. Disease had long lasting course, and was cured by antibiotics without surgical intervention.
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