Types of Cat Scratch Fever

Cat scratch fever manifests as Classic and Atypical forms.

Classic Cat Scratch Fever

Classic cat scratch fever can have symptoms of tenderness and swelling in the regional lymph nodes. This condition is called regional lymphadenopathy. Often, a nodule/ papule is observed at the initial infection site and simultaneously the patient may develop a fever. Among the many other associated symptoms of the Cat scratch fever are chills, headaches, backaches and pain in the abdominal region. It is important to note that it takes as much as a fortnight before these symptoms appear.

Although most cases of Cat scratch fever are self-limiting (heal by themselves), lymphadenopathy could persist even after the other symptoms disappear, and for several months at a time. One heartening factor is that the disease resolves spontaneously. This could be the outcome of treatment or even in the absence of it and usually within a month or two, except in the case of immune compromised patients.

Atypical Cat Scratch Fever

Atypical cat scratch fever varies depending on where it is in the body and what organs it has affected.

Parinaud's Oculoglandular Syndrome

Granulomatous conjunctivitis with swelling of the lymph node in front of the ear (on the same side as the eye) is known as Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome. The development could also bring on the manifestation of optic neuritis, and neuropathy.

Bacillary Angiomatosis

The development of bacillary peliosis is caused by the Bartonella henselae bacteria infecting people with an already established immune compromised disease such as HIV. In this manifestation of Cat scratch fever, it's usually the patient’s liver and spleen that are affected, but it can also affect the brain, bone, bone marrow, lymph nodes, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. Pathological findings reveal the development of blood-filled cystic spaces within the organs. Symptoms can also include up to 100 red purplish nodules on the skin that form like tumors. This form of Cat Scratch Fever is treatable, but left untreated may prove fatal.

Acute Encephalopathy

Symptoms of acute encephalopathy (dysfunction of the brain) can be confused with meningitis. The development brings along symptoms of high fever, nagging headaches and swelling of the optic nerves that result in impaired vision. Even though this case appears sever it is treatable.