July 15th 2001
Subject: just th fax, mam
Diagnosis of cat-scratch disease begins with a medical history and physical exam. An antibody titer test may be ordered to see if the person is producing antibodies to Bartonella henselae. A polymerase chain reaction test can be ordered to identify the genes of the bacteria. Using special techniques, the bacteria can sometimes be seen in a biopsy specimen from the affected body part.
Most healthy people recover without long-term effects. People with impaired immune systems can have permanent organ damage or can die as a result of cat-scratch fever.
In healthy people, the infection usually goes away in 2 to 4 months without treatment. In complicated cases, antibiotics, such as erythromycin or doxycycline, can be used.
Lymph nodes that are large and painful can be drained with a needle. Powerful antibiotics, such as azithromycin, can be given to people with impaired immune systems or severe infections.