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Systemic cat scratch disease

Hui-Min Liao1, Fu-Yuan Huang, Hsin Chi

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan Yi Zhi
|August 29, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Systemic cat scratch disease (CSD) can affect multiple organs, as seen in a Taiwanese child with liver, spleen, and kidney involvement. Early diagnosis and treatment of this Bartonella henselae infection are crucial for recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Systemic cat scratch disease (CSD) is a zoonotic infection typically caused by Bartonella henselae.
  • CSD commonly presents with fever and lymphadenopathy, but visceral involvement can occur.

Observation:

  • A 9-year-old aboriginal girl in Taiwan presented with prolonged fever, abdominal pain, headache, and weight loss.
  • Abdominal CT revealed splenic and renal hypodense lesions; laparotomy showed hepatic and splenic surface lesions.

Findings:

  • Histopathology confirmed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation, suggestive of Bartonella henselae.
  • B. henselae DNA was detected via PCR, and a high antibody titer confirmed visceral CSD.
  • The patient recovered after treatment with rifampin and tetracycline.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering systemic CSD in children with fever of unknown origin and abdominal symptoms.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are essential for managing visceral CSD.
  • Reinforces the need for awareness of Bartonella henselae infections in diverse pediatric populations.

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