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Bartonella
Bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae, spread by fleas. Cats carry the bacteria and transmit it to humans via scratches contaminated with infected flea dirt. Up to 40% of cats in flea-endemic areas may be carriers.
Key Facts
- Caused by Bartonella henselae — spread by fleas, not directly cat-to-cat
- Cats get flea dirt (infected flea feces) in claws, then scratch people
- Human disease: papule at scratch site, lymph node swelling, fever — usually self-resolving
- Immunocompromised humans at risk for serious complications (encephalitis, heart valve infection)
- Most infected cats show no clinical signs — bacteria adapted to live in felines
- Flea control eliminates transmission risk — no flea dirt means no transmission
- Up to 40% of cats in warm/humid climates may carry Bartonella
- Testing not recommended for average cats; only for blood donors or immunocompromised households
- Treatment: azithromycin, doxycycline — minimum 3 weeks; bacteria rapidly become resistant
- Zoonotic disease: wash cat scratches promptly; keep claws trimmed