What Causes Cat Scratch Fever?

The condition is primarily a bacterial disease. Though it is not very well known, the primary cause is thought to be a bacteria called Batonella Henselae. The bacterium that infects makes the symptoms and the onslaught really quite discomforting. Interestingly, for a long time, both adults and children scratched by domesticated felines didn't really relate the connection when victimized.

Carriers of Cat Scratch Fever

Kittens under one year of age seem to be the main carriers of cat scratch fever because their blood is able to carry bacteria easier than adult felines. However any feline domesticated or not can spread cat scratch fever. About 50% of all the cats on the planet are carriers of the bacteria at some point in their life. This increases the chances of a cat owner getting cat scratch fever simply due to the passion for felines and the ownership of the cat. However, it is critical to note that the cats do not show any symptoms of the disease and hence people with more than one cat as pets would never really know which one carries the bacteria Bartonella Henselae, the cause of cat scratch fever.

The Flea Connection

It is highlighted by vets and allied research personnel that fleas or the parasites that feed on the blood of the felines carry this bacterium. Fleas spread the disease to the kitten/cat through flea feces and then the disease can be transferred through blood and saliva to a human. One study showed that the cat to human transmission could also be the result of the bacteria Bartonella henselae in flea feces transferred directly into the open wound from a cat scratch or bite. However this usually still needs the cat to transfer the flea feces to the human.

Season for Cat Scratch Fever 

The condition most commonly manifests in the winter and fall months. This is an occurrence still quizzed by the medical fraternity and dedicated scientists. The only probable explanation is that domesticated felines are known to remain indoors most of the time during these months and that probably brings on increased contact with humans. This exposure increases the chances humans contracting allied feline diseases too.

Human Transfer

It is observed that in most cases, cat scratch fever mostly affects children. This is probably because they are known to want to fondle and play with cats and kittens more than adults do. The disease is associated with a great recovery pattern. It isn't a serious one and although the lymph nodes do get swollen for up to a month, detection and medication of the cat scratch fever helps quick recovery.

Cat scratch fever is a condition and transfer of bacteria to humans by domesticated felines, mostly kittens. The malady affects only humans.

The result of the bacteria Bartonella henselea, bacteria that is present in the mouths of cats, transfers to humans through their claws via routine grooming. The occurrence is seen less in cat bites and more in the instance of cat scratches. Statistics reveal that most people that have been exposed to it develop antibodies in their blood. The antibodies created within the system of the infected person are generally in response to the invasion.

This happens when the person is exposed to the bacteria directly. There have been instances when the person does not become subsequently ill after a cat scratch or bite, but instead develops flu like symptoms which go undetected. Cat scratch fever presents flu like symptoms which are easy to neglect and treat with over the counter drugs. However, not all the time is the symptoms as mild as a fever and chill. Many a times and due to neglect, it is observed that the development could result in severe display of aggravating symptoms such as anorexia, fatigue and weakness, and really painful swollen lymph nodes.

Initially people across the globe were pretty confused by this disease as the occurrence due to bacteria was understood, but not the resultant infection. Lymph nodes on the upper limbs and neck can get infected first. The areas swell after being scratched by a cat leading to the development of an infection. This then results in the manifestation of fever and even a sudden loss of appetite. The resultant fatigue can take a huge toll on the immune system of the patient suffering from cat scratch fever.