[Cat scratch disease. Atypical forms]

First described by Robert Debré in 1950, cat scratch disease, usually observed in children and young adults (80% of the case occur in subjects under 18), is the principal cause of chronic benign lymph node enlargement. The Centers for Disease Control at Atlanta currently recognize Afipia felis and Rochalimaea henselae as the causal agents of cat scratch disease. Cats transmit the disease to humans by skin scratches or by licking open wounds. The bacilli can also be transmitted by dogs, monkeys, squirels or inert objects. The contaminating cats are usually young. There is no interhuman transmission. There are several uncommon manifestations of cat scratch disease which may misguide diagnosis. In atypical forms, the positive diagnosis of this benign disease can only be confirmed by serology or molecular biology techniques. In order to reduce the duration of the disease, antibiotic treatment is recommended in forms with systemic involvement and in atypical forms although there has been no proof of efficacy.