Cat-Scratch Disease Otherwise Known as Cat-Scratch Fever

Cat-scratch disease can also be known as cat-scratch fever or CSD. It's incubation period is between 1 and 2 weeks. Symptoms of the classic CSD range from mild to severe. In 50 percent to 90 percent of cases, a 0.5 to 1-cm brownish papule or pustule forms at the site of the scratch or bite from the cat and is considered an indicator of CSD. Regional lymphadenopathy follows in 3 to 10 days, often accompanied by malaise, fever, and anorexia. Mild fever and malaise occur in less than half of the patients. Generally, the lymph nodes are 1 to 5 cm in diameter and proximal to the site of B. henselae inoculation. The nodes that are most commonly involved are in the axillary, epitrochlear, cervical, and supraclavicular areas. Submandibular and preauricular lymphadenopathy involvment is less common. …