Background/Introduction:
Cat scratch disease occurs as a result of infection with the Bartonella henselae bacteria. The condition was first characterized by Dr. Robert Debré in 1931. B. henselae wasn’t identified as the causative organism until 1990 by Relman and associates.
The common cat flea is the primary vector of infection, transmitting the bacteria to host cats who in turn go on to infect humans. Cats are asymptomatic while bacteremic. Studies have shown that younger cats often have higher amounts of antibodies to B. henselae than older cats. Wild cats also have higher amounts of antibodies compared to domestic cats.
The disease is typically self-limiting in nature. Systemic symptoms include fever, malaise, regional lymphadenopathy and a papule at the site of inoculation. Only 5-10% of patients manifest ocular symptoms, and they are usually unilateral in presentation. These may include follicular conjunctivitis, vitritis, uveitis, neuroretinitis, and vein/artery occlusions. Cases with severe systemic/ophthalmic manifestations require intervention with systemic antibiotics and steroids.