Cat scratch disease

"Cat scratch disease" (limforetikulez benign, non-bacterial regional lymphadenitis) -ostroe infectious disease that occurs when contact with infected cats - when they bite, scratch, or licks. It is characterized by fever, regional lymphadenitis, enlarged liver and spleen, sometimes the primary effect and exanthema.

Etiology, pathogenesis. The causative agent belongs to chlamydia. By antigenic properties similar to the agents of psittacosis. Infected cats remain healthy.

Symptoms within. The incubation period lasts from 3 to 60 days (usually 2-3 weeks). The disease may begin with the appearance of small blisters or sores on the site of the scratch (bite), state of health remains good. After 15-30 days after infection appears Regional limfadenit- most characteristic feature of the disease. Most are enlarged axillary, elbow, neck, rarely other lymph nodes. They reach 3 to 5 cm in diameter, painful on palpation, are not soldered to surrounding tissues. In 50% of cases with abscess formation of a thick yellowish-green pus (can not sow bacteria). At the same time there are signs of general intoxication, fever, enlarged liver and spleen. Lymphadenitis may persist for up to several months. Confirmation of the diagnosis can serve as a positive RAC (complement fixation) with ornitoznoy antigen, although many patients, this reaction is negative.

Treatment. Prednisolone 20-30 mg / day for 7 to 10 days. When festering - puncture with aspiration of pus. Weather favorable.