Cat scratch disease as zoonosis: Pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnosis.

Abstract

The cat scratch disease in humans is caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. The disease can take many different forms: from asymptomatic cases, cases of skin lesions, fever of unknown origin, enlargement of lymph nodes, ophthalmologic disorders, to severe cases involving inflammation of the brain and spinal cord or endocarditis. The reservoir of B. henselae for humans are domestic animals, especially cats. The diagnosis of the disease is based on data from the anamnesis, the patient’s confirmed exposure to cats, and the results of serological tests showing an increase in antibody titres for B. henselae. The disease can also be confirmed by positive results of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). No vaccines against bartonellosis are available. The most important in preventing the disease is to maintain appropriate hygiene in contact with cats and dogs, and to eradicate the vectors of Bartonella, such as fleas..

Epizootic situation of feline Bartonella infection in eastern Poland

“…The positive association of bacteraemia with the lack of anti-ectoparasite prophylaxis and the living conditions of the cats (free-roaming) is confirmatory of previous studies demonstrating that cat fleas (C. felis) and ticks (Ixodes spp.) may serve as the vectors of B. henselae between cats (5,10,17,21,30). This association may be connected with a greater exposure to Bartonella vectors in this group of animals and confirms the previous observation of Chomel et al (5), who identified an association between bacteraemia and flea infestation.…”

“…The increased frequency of bartonellosis in cats may be the result of climate change. However, the use of new diagnostic techniques, including molecular methods, in the disease recognition process and better understanding of bartonellosis among veterinarians and cat owners may result in more frequent recognition of the disease in these animals (21,22).…”