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[Cat scratch disease and associated infections]
B B Chomel1, H J Boulouis, A N Gurfield
1Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA.
Bulletin De L'Academie Nationale De Medecine
|March 18, 1997
Summary
Cat scratch disease (CSD) is caused by Bartonella henselae, identified in 1992. Cats are healthy carriers, transmitting the bacteria via fleas, leading to CSD and related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Cat scratch disease (CSD) was first described in 1950.
- The bacterial agent of CSD was unknown until 1992.
- Bartonella henselae was implicated as the causative agent of CSD.
Purpose:
- To present current knowledge on the etiology of CSD.
- To outline the clinical features of CSD.
- To describe the epidemiological characteristics of CSD and bacillary angiomatosis.
Summary:
- Bartonella henselae, identified in 1992, is the causative agent of Cat scratch disease.
- Cats are healthy carriers of B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae, with potential for long-term bacteremia.
- Transmission occurs via cat fleas, not direct contact, and B. henselae is also linked to bacillary angiomatosis.
Impact:
- Clarifies the etiology of Cat scratch disease.
- Enhances understanding of B. henselae transmission dynamics.
- Provides a comprehensive overview of CSD and related conditions.