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[Three cases of bartonellosis (cat scratch disease)]
Gabriele Di Lorenzo1, Manfredi Rizzo, Pasquale Mansueto
1Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e delle Patologie Emergenti, Università degli Studi di Palermo.
Annali Italiani Di Medicina Interna : Organo Ufficiale Della Societa Italiana Di Medicina Interna
|January 21, 2003
Summary
Cat-scratch disease, caused by Bartonella henselae transmitted by cats, presents as lymphadenitis after inoculation. This bartonellosis is treatable with various antibiotics, and prognosis is typically favorable.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- The genus Bartonella encompasses an increasing number of species, with evolving clinical and diagnostic understanding of associated illnesses.
- Bartonella henselae is the primary causative agent of cat-scratch disease, a zoonotic infection transmitted by feline contact.
Observation:
- This article details three cases of cat-scratch disease.
- The disease follows an incubation period and typically manifests as regional lymphadenitis.
- A characteristic small cutaneous lesion appears at the site of bacterial inoculation.
Findings:
- The causative agent, Bartonella henselae, demonstrates susceptibility to a broad spectrum of antibacterial agents.
- Effective antibiotic classes include penicillin, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, macrolides, quinolones, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and rifampicin.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment are crucial for managing cat-scratch disease.
- The favorable prognosis associated with cat-scratch disease underscores the effectiveness of available antimicrobial therapies.