Bartonellosis, Bacterial Infection Caused by Bartonella Henselae (Cat Scratch Disease) in cats
- Occurrence: common
- Location of illness: General/Whole body
Bartonellosis, also known as cat scratch disease, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae. This disease is common in cats and can be transmitted to humans, often through scratches or bites from infected cats.
The most important facts at a glance
Bartonellosis, also known as cat scratch disease, is caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae, which lives in the red blood cells and blood vessels of cats. Transmission between cats often occurs through the cat flea, which transports the bacterium from one infected cat to the next. Cats, especially young ones, can carry the bacterium without showing symptoms and transmit it to humans through scratches or bites. In humans, swollen lymph nodes and fever often occur after infection, while cats rarely show symptoms, but may develop anemia or congestive heart failure, among other things.
Diagnosis in cats is based on clinical signs and serological tests. In humans, diagnosis is made by detecting antibodies or genetic material of the bacterium. Treatment in cats usually consists of antibiotics such as doxycycline, while azithromycin is often used in humans. The prognosis is generally good in both cats and humans, provided the infection is detected and treated early. Preventive measures include flea control, trimming cat claws, and avoiding contact with stray cats. Regular veterinary visits and good hygiene are crucial to prevent infections and monitor the cat’s health.
Causes
Bartonella henselae is a gram-negative bacterium that lives within the red blood cells and endothelial cells of blood vessels in cats. Transmission between cats usually occurs through the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), which acts as a vector for the bacterium. When fleas suck blood on infected cats, they take up the bacterium and transmit it to other cats during their next bite.
Cats are the natural hosts for Bartonella henselae and can often carry and spread the bacterium for extended periods without clinical symptoms. Young cats under one year are more likely to be carriers of the bacterium, especially if they live in an environment with high cat density and inadequate flea control.
The infection is most often transmitted to humans through a bite or scratch from an infected cat. In rare cases, contact with infected saliva through open wounds or mucous membranes can lead to transmission. The disease usually develops in humans a few days to weeks after exposure.
Symptoms
In cats, the infection is often subclinical, meaning without visible signs. In some cases, however, symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and swollen lymph nodes may occur. However, such symptoms are not specific and can easily be confused with other diseases.
People who become infected with Bartonella henselae often develop a small, red papule at the site of the scratch or bite. Within one to three weeks, the lymph nodes near the wound may enlarge and become painful. Other symptoms may include fever, headaches, lethargy, and muscle or joint pain. In rare cases, more serious complications such as neuroretinitis or bacillary angiomatosis can occur, especially in immunocompromised people.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Bartonellosis in cats is primarily based on clinical signs and the exclusion of other diseases. Since many infected cats are asymptomatic, the diagnosis is often supported by serological tests that detect antibodies against Bartonella henselae. A positive serological test indicates exposure, but not necessarily an active infection.
In humans, the diagnosis can be made by detecting antibodies in the blood, by PCR tests (polymerase chain reaction) for the genetic material of the bacterium, or by a biopsy of the affected lymph nodes. Serological detection of antibodies in the blood is the most common method, with high antibody titers possibly indicating an active infection.
Therapy
In cats that show no symptoms, treatment is often not necessary. In cases where symptoms occur or the cat has immunocompromised individuals in the household, antibiotic therapy may be considered. Doxycycline and enrofloxacin are commonly used antibiotics to treat Bartonellosis in cats.
For humans, treatment usually consists of administering antibiotics such as azithromycin, especially if there is lymph node involvement and systemic symptoms. In more severe or complicated cases, prolonged treatment with various antibiotics may be required.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for cats with Bartonellosis is generally good, especially if there are no symptoms. Cats that develop symptoms usually respond well to antibiotic therapy.
In humans, the prognosis is also good in most cases, especially if the infection is detected and treated in time. Complications are rare and usually affect immunocompromised individuals, in whom the disease can be more severe.
Prevention
Prevention of Bartonellosis in cats can be achieved through a combination of good hygiene and flea control. Since fleas are considered to be the vectors of the bacteria Bartonella henselae, it is important to carry out regular flea prevention measures. These include the use of flea control products, regular vacuuming of living areas, and washing of cat blankets and cushions.
Another important preventive measure is minimizing the risk of scratch injuries, especially in cats that tend to play aggressively. Trimming the claws can help reduce the likelihood of scratches. In addition, contact with stray cats, which may be infected, should be avoided as much as possible.
Regular veterinary visits are also crucial to monitor the cat’s health and detect any infections early. Finally, good general hygiene should be practiced by washing hands after playing with cats and cleaning scratch or bite wounds thoroughly.