Cat scratches sometimes cause infections manifested by skin damage, lymph nodes, fatigue or fever.

It is necessary to remain vigilant in front of any lesion related to a scratch, even superficial.

Cat scratch disease

La cat scratch disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. This bacteria is transmitted through fleas, to all cats or from wild cats to domestic cats.

It mainly affects people under 20 and immunocompromised people (who are HIV positive or on immunosuppressive therapy, for example).

Symptoms usually appear 1 to 3 weeks after the scratch or bite. The affected person has redness or a pustule at the site of the scratch and one or more ganglia near the scratched area. You may also have the following symptoms: fatigue, loss of appetite, headache or throat pain, and muscle or joint pain.

Cat scratch disease usually resolves on its own, but in 5-10% of cases infectious complications occur and can affect any organ.

Pasteurellosis

La pasteurellosis is an infection caused by the bacillus Pasteurella multocida. It is unusual and mainly concerns infants and immunocompromised people.

In the event of pasteurellosis, a pain may appear on the wound, between 3 and 24 hours after the scratch. It can be followed by a infection of the subcutaneous tissue, redness, swelling and oozing of the skin and a slight fever.

Treatment is with antibiotics.

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