[Cat scratch disease--course, diagnosis]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Human Medicine

Background:

• Bartonelloses, including Cat Scratch Disease (CSD), are an increasing concern in human and veterinary medicine.
• Bartonella henselae is the causative agent of CSD, a mild clinical manifestation of bartonellosis, typically transmitted by cats.
• Bartonelloses can manifest in various forms, including fever of unknown origin, endocarditis, pneumonia, and meningitis.

Observation:

• CSD commonly presents as regional lymphadenopathy that can persist for weeks, necessitating differentiation from other causes.
• Three case studies highlight CSD presentation, with all affected individuals having had contact with cats.
• A primary skin lesion was not observed in any of the presented cases, underscoring the importance of considering CSD even without this typical sign.

Findings:

• Diagnosis of CSD can be challenging, with one case requiring histopathological examination of lymph nodes for confirmation.
• Serological testing proved effective in diagnosing CSD in two cases shortly after hospital admission.
• CSD is likely underdiagnosed in Poland due to limited awareness of its clinical presentation.

Implications:

• Suspecting CSD based on lymphadenopathy and animal contact history is crucial for timely diagnosis.
• The absence of a primary lesion should not exclude CSD from differential diagnoses.
• Integrating CSD into differential diagnoses and utilizing serological tests can prevent unnecessary and burdensome investigations for patients.