Abstract

Introduction

Cat scratch disease (CSD) also known as "Cat scratch fever" or "Subacute regional lymphadenitis" is usually a benign infectious disease caused by the intracellular bacterium Bartonella henselae¹. It is a necrotizing granulomatous lymphadenitis most commonly found in children. It is a self limited infection caused by cutaneous inoculation of the bacteria introduced by a scratch, bite, licking of a cat. It was first discovered in 1889 by Henri Parinaud². Kittens are more likely to carry the bacteria in their blood, and may therefore more likely to transmit the disease than adult cats. However, the results of experimental studies showed that fleas serve as a vector for transmission of B. henselae among cats³. It comes into clinical attention due to lymphadenopathy following infection. Regional lymphadenopathy appears after 1-3 weeks which is usually unilateral in 50% cases. Axillary, epitrochlear, cervical, or inguinal lymph nodes are commonly involved. One lymph node is involved in 50% of cases and multiple nodes, usually in the same region, in 30% of cases. In the general population, CSD is a benign, self-limited illness, lasting 6 to 12 weeks in the absence of treatment. We are reporting two cases of 53 year old male and 10 year old female with cervical lymphadenopathy. Cytology was suggestive in the first case and excision biopsy was diagnostic in the second case. History of contact with cats supported the diagnosis.