In simple words: Cat-scratch disease, also called cat scratch fever, is an infection you can get from a cat scratch or bite. It's caused by bacteria called Bartonella henselae that cats can carry in their saliva.You might see a bump or blister where the scratch or bite happened, and the lymph nodes near that area might get swollen and painful. You could also feel tired, have a headache, or develop a fever.Usually, it's not serious and gets better on its own, but sometimes it can cause more serious problems, especially for young children or people with weaker immune systems.

Cat-scratch disease (CSD), or cat scratch fever, is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae. It's typically transmitted through a cat scratch or bite, or when infected saliva comes into contact with an open wound or the eyes.Symptoms usually develop within 3-14 days and include a bump or blister at the injury site, swollen and painful lymph nodes, fatigue, headache, and possibly fever.While generally mild and self-limiting, severe cases or those in individuals with weakened immune systems can lead to complications.

Example 1: A 5-year-old child presents with swollen lymph nodes under their arm, a small bump on their hand, and a low-grade fever. They recall being scratched by a kitten a week prior. The physician diagnoses cat-scratch disease., A patient with HIV experiences prolonged fever, fatigue, and widespread lymphadenopathy after being bitten by a stray cat.Further testing confirms cat-scratch disease, and the patient requires antibiotic treatment due to their compromised immune system., An adult with no underlying health conditions develops a small pustule on their leg and swollen inguinal lymph nodes after their cat licked a minor wound.They experience mild fatigue but otherwise recover without medical intervention, consistent with a mild case of cat-scratch disease.

Documentation should include details of the animal contact (scratch, bite, lick), the location and characteristics of the skin lesion, the presence and location of lymphadenopathy, and any associated systemic symptoms.Laboratory test results, if performed, should also be documented.