CAT-SCRATCH DISEASE - ETIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS, AND THERAPY

Cat-scratch disease is a common infectious cause of lymphadenopathy. A typical presentations include an oculoglandular syndrome as well as a number of neurologic syndromes. Diagnosis is based on 4 criteria: (1) cat contact, with a scratch or inoculation at a skin, eye, or mucous-m embrane lesion; (2) positive skin test; (3) negative TB and other sero logy tests to exclude other causes of lymphadenopathy; and (4) charact eristic histopathology. The disease usually resolves spontaneously. In rare cases, systemic antibiotics are required. Effective antibiotics include trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, rifampin, ciproflxacin, and gen tamicin.