Which organism is associated with cat scratch disease?

Which organism is associated with cat scratch disease?

• A. Cat scratch disease
• B. Lyme disease
• C. Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• D. Q fever

Answer: (A)

Bartonella henselae is the organism associated with cat scratch disease. This gram-negative bacterium is carried by many domestic cats, which act as the reservoir. Transmission occurs when a cat scratches or bites, introducing the bacteria into the skin. In humans, the typical presentation is regional lymphadenopathy near the scratch site, often with low-grade fever. Diagnosis can be supported by serology or PCR, though many cases are clinical. The other options refer to different diseases and organisms: Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (tick-borne), Rocky Mountain spotted fever by Rickettsia rickettsii (tick-borne), and Q fever by Coxiella burnetii (inhaled from livestock).

Bartonella henselae is the organism associated with cat scratch disease. This gram-negative bacterium is carried by many domestic cats, which act as the reservoir. Transmission occurs when a cat scratches or bites, introducing the bacteria into the skin. In humans, the typical presentation is regional lymphadenopathy near the scratch site, often with low-grade fever. Diagnosis can be supported by serology or PCR, though many cases are clinical. The other options refer to different diseases and organisms: Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (tick-borne), Rocky Mountain spotted fever by Rickettsia rickettsii (tick-borne), and Q fever by Coxiella burnetii (inhaled from livestock).