Cat Scratch Disease
Alternative names:
cat scratch fever; CSD
Treatment:
Generally, cat scratch disease leads a relatively benign course. Treatment, other than reassurance, is not usually recommended. However, in severe cases treatment with antibiotics is helpful. Effective antibiotics include: - erythromycin (E-Mycin)
- sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim
- doxycycline
- rifampin combined with another agent
In AIDS patients and in other people who have suppressed immune systems cat scratch disease is not benign, and treatment with antibiotics is recommended.
Expectations (prognosis):
In children with normal immune systems, spontaneous healing with full recovery is the norm. In immunocompromised people treatment with antibiotics generally leads to recovery.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if you have enlarged lymph nodes and a history of exposure to a cat.
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