cat-scratch fever, a disease that results from the scratch or bite of a healthy cat. It is caused by the bacterium Bartonella. Inflammation and pustules are found on the scratched skin and lymph nodes in the neck, head, groin, or axilla swell 2 weeks later. There may be spontaneous remission of symptoms in about 2 weeks. Although patients are seldom seriously ill, fever, loss of appetite, headache, and malaise may occur and symptoms can persist for months. Antibiotics may be prescribed for persistent infection. Also called benign lymphoreticulosis, cat scratch disease.
