[Cat scratch (?) disease]

The case of a 24 year old female student who developed typical cat scratch disease following an insect sting invited to review the literature. Over the last two years, Rocalimaea henselae could be identified and is now considered to be responsible for the majority of infected cases. It is related to Rochalimaea quintana that provokes trench fever and to Bartonella bacilliformis, known as the inciting agent of the verruca peruana and of Oroya fever. Recently, it has been proposed to integrate Rochalimaea and Bartonella into the family of Bartonellaceae. The diverse and fascinating array of clinical syndromes caused by R. henselae as well as their treatment are described. Capability to affect organs other than skin and lymph nodes is primarily but not exclusively associated with immunodeficiencies. In countries like Switzerland little information on these clinical pictures is available. However, it is important to recognize the typical symptoms and signs in order to initiate the appropriate and necessary examinations.