Cat scratch disease diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction in a patient with suspected tuberculous lymphadenitis

We present a patient diagnosed as having tuberculous lymphadenitis after ly mph node biopsy and referred for tuberculous therapy On review, because of recent cat exposure, she was tested for cat scratch disease (GSD), but sero logical tests for Bartonella henselae were negative. However, the diagnosis of CSD was confirmed, and tuberculosis excluded, by poylmerase chain react ion techniques. This case serves as a reminder that CSD may mimic tuberculo sis histologically and that sensitive molecular diagnostic tests are availa ble.