Cat Scratch Disease in Adolescent Doença de Arranhadura do Gato em Adolescente

Abstract

Cat-scratch disease is typically characterized by self-limited regional lymphadenopathy with gradual resolution of symptoms, even without specific antibiotic therapy.
We present a case of an adolescent with anterior swelling of the right elbow evolving for 4 weeks, together with fever and asthenia.
Intravenous antibiotics (ceftriaxone+clindamycin) were started due to absence of improvement with oral antibiotics (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, azithromycin, clindamycin).
Ultrasonography revealed abscesses, which were punctured, yielding purulent liquid. Serologies were positive for Bartonella henselae.
The patient was discharged with oral ciprofloxacin, evolving favorably.
This case shows an atypical presentation of Bartonella henselae’s infection with abscesses, with need of hospital admission for intravenous antibiotics and abscess drainage.