Bartonella or scratch disease, is a pathology caused by a group of bacteria called Bartonella. This dangerous bacterium causes alterations in the organism of the affected animal or person, since it is a zoonotic disease, that is, it is transmitted from animals to humans.
In the case of bartonella, the transmission method of these bacteria takes advantage of their direct entry into wounds caused by scratches especially cats. This disease must be treated to avoid possible complications, which can be quite severe in many cases. Therefore, in this article on our site, we will talk about bartonella in cats, as well as its symptoms, causes and treatment.
What is bartonella and how is it spread?
Bartonella is a bacterial disease, caused by bacteria called Bartonellas. Within these bacteria, there are three types that can affect felines:
- Bartonella helensae.
- Bartonella clarridgeiae.
- Bartonella koehlera.
Even so, there are 22 different types of Bartonella, all of them gram-negative bacteria that are passed from one organism to another via vectors of transmission [1].
This disease is also called bartonellosis in cats, and affects various animals, including humans, cats and dogs. In this case, cats act as carriers, being a source of infection for other animals.
If you have felines in your home, you may be interested in knowing the Diseases that cats transmit and their symptoms, one of the reasons why on our site we recommend keeping all your pet's vaccinations up to date.
Causes of bartonella in cats
Bartonella infection is usually caused mainly by fleas, although infections by ticks can also occur. These parasites act as vectors of the disease, spreading it to those animals they bite.
Cats are the ones with the highest rate of infection by Bartonella bacteria, with the cat flea being the one with the highest rate of transmission. Felines become infected when they consume either fleas or flea feces while grooming.
How is bartonellosis transmitted in cats?
When a cat has been infected by the bacteria, it can spread it to other cats, as well as to dogs or humans. This transmission usually occurs through contact with fluids such as saliva or open wounds, as well as uncontrolled blood transfusions. The most common means of contagion from cats to other cats or any other animal is scratching, which is why bartonellosis in cats is also known as scratch disease.
The animals with the most infections are those that live in colonies, on the street or in kennels, as well as those that have access to outdoor areas, as they are more exposed to flea infections and contact with Other animals. Also especially vulnerable are those cats less than two months old , as well as those with a weakened immune system.
If your cat tends to have ticks, it may be useful to know the Diseases that a tick can transmit.
Symptoms of bartonellosis in cats
When a bartonella infection occurs, the animal may have an asymptomatic infection, that is, there would be no symptoms of disease, which is the most common in the case of cats parasitized by Bartonella helensae, who, with few exceptions, do not develop any symptoms, being an invisible disease. In these cats, the bacteria remain and can be spread to other animals, thus acting as a carrier of the bacteria.
However, in immunosuppressed dogs, humans and cats, there is extensive symptomatology of bartonella infection. These symptoms include:
- Fever.
- Uveitis.
- Lethargy.
- Endocarditis.
- Epistaxis.
- Transient anemia.
- Bone conditions.
- Renal problems.
- Neurological conditions.
In cats, these symptoms often appear especially in Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, as well as subspecies other than helensae.
Bartonella in cats: treatment
The first thing to do in case of suspecting infection by bartonella bacteria is to go to the vet. There, they will perform a culture of a blood sample, which is called a gold standard test, thanks to which they can see if there are bartonella bacteria present in the animal's bloodstream. The gold standard is usually combined with PCR tests, as it has been shown that in this way the results are more reliable [2] These tests are decisive only if they have elapsed 14-15 days from transmission, since only after this period can these bacteria be detected in the blood.
If the tests come out positive, we have a bartonella infection, which implies that treatment will be necessary to treat the infection. However, the currently existing treatments do not eradicate this infection, only to keep the bacteria under control, eliminating possible clinical symptoms. Therefore, many veterinarians only recommend certain treatments for certain cases, including:
- Animals with additional diseases.
- Those who live with immunosuppressed people.
- Cats showing symptoms of illness.
Once the antibiotic treatment has begun, it takes about 28 days, which may be longer if the drugs have to be changed for others that may be more effective. However, the best treatment is, without a doubt, good prevention, the most important thing being to apply antiparasitic measures against flea infection, as well as control the contact of our pet with other uncontrolled animals in that sense. For this reason, we recommend you consult this other article on The best products for deworming cats.
Cat Scratch Disease Symptoms and Treatment
In humans, the first and most noticeable symptom of bartonellosis is the development of a crusted erythematous papule, which in certain cases it turns into a pustule at the site where the injury occurred.
If the disease runs its course without treatment, regional lymphadenopathy occurs. This consists of the nodes becoming painful and firm to the touch, becoming fluctuating and being able to drain through a fistula. This lymphadenopathy can be accompanied by general malaise, fever, headache and anorexia What is even more serious, bartonella is one of the most common causes of endocarditis, the which is an inflammation of the endocardium that can lead to problems as serious as a heart murmur. If you suspect that your cat has infected you with bartonella, see your doctor immediately.
To prevent bartonella in humans, if you have recently adopted a stray cat, you may be interested in reading this other article on our site on Diseases that a stray cat can transmit.
