Cat-scratch disease is a systemic infection produced by the facultative, nonmotile, Gram-negative intracellular zoonotic bacillus Bartonella henselae [1][2]. It most often follows a scratch or bite from a cat and is believed to be spread through cat saliva [2].
Disease overview
Bacterial Evidence-backed information EN 5/7 applicable sections · ZH 5/7 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026
Cat-scratch disease is a systemic bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae, typically acquired from a cat scratch or bite [1][2]. It occurs more frequently in warm, humid regions and shows seasonal peaks in fall and winter, with higher occurrence among children [1][2]. The condition is a public health concern owing to its zoonotic transmission from cats to humans [1].
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Affected individuals commonly develop a non-painful bump or blister at the injury site followed by painful, swollen regional lymph nodes near the scratch or bite, typically on one side and arising one to three weeks after exposure [2]. Systemic manifestations include fatigue, headache, fever, malaise, decreased appetite, and muscular or joint aches [2]. Early histological findings in immunocompetent persons show lymphoid hyperplasia and arteriolar proliferation in skin lesions and lymph nodes [1].
Cat-scratch disease (CSD), caused by Bartonella henselae, has a prevalence that is more common in warm, humid areas and is typically seasonal, peaking in the fall and winter [1]. The condition was first characterized in 1931, although the responsible bacteria were not discovered until decades later [1].
Infection begins when a small wound from an infected cat's bite or scratch permits B. henselae to enter the body, with the bacterium thought to be conveyed in cat saliva [1][2]. Cat fleas serve as the principal vectors maintaining B. henselae among cats, and young cats present greater risk than older ones [1][2]. Transmission from dogs via scratch or bite is possible but uncommon [2].
Primary prevention relies on effective flea control for cats, since outdoor exposure is the main source of infestation, and keeping cats indoors markedly lowers risk [2]. Thorough handwashing after handling cats or their feces reduces potential transfer from asymptomatic carrier cats to people [2].
- 1 Puspitasari Y et al. Uncovering the truth about cat-scratch disease. Open Vet J. 2025 May. PMID: 40557109. doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i5.5. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40557109/
- 2 Wikipedia contributors. Cat-scratch disease - Wikipedia [Internet]. Wikipedia. cited 23 Oct 2026. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat-scratch_disease
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