Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

What bacterial disease results from a cat scratch and causes soreness at the site, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes?

1. Feline leukemia

2. Cat scratch fever

3. Toxoplasmosis

4. Ringworm

The correct answer is: Cat scratch fever

Cat scratch fever, also known as cat scratch disease, is caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae. This disease typically occurs when a person is scratched or bitten by a cat that is infected with the bacteria. The primary symptoms include soreness or pain at the site of the scratch, fever, and swollen lymph nodes that may be painful. This condition is particularly notable because the initial scratch may not seem serious, yet the systemic symptoms can be quite impactful. Feline leukemia is a viral disease that affects cats and can lead to cancer and other serious health issues but does not specifically present with the symptoms associated with cat scratch fever. Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, can lead to various symptoms like flu-like illness, but it is not specifically linked to cat scratches. Ringworm, on the other hand, is a fungal infection that typically causes skin lesions but does not involve the systemic symptoms such as fever or swollen lymph nodes as seen in cat scratch fever. Thus, the unique presentation associated with a cat scratch and these symptoms aligns perfectly with cat scratch fever.