Are you worried about Bartonella affecting your cat and possibly contracting cat scratch disease? Bartonella in cats is a bacteria that can be transmitted to people, called cat scratch fever. It’s important to know the risks associated with Bartonella and how to protect your cat from contracting this bacteria. The leading vector for transmission of Bartonella in cats is fleas and with the right information, you can help keep your cat safe from Bartonella. This article will also provide ways to help prevent yourself from contracting cat scratch disease. Read on to learn more about Bartonella in cats and how it relates to cat scratch fever in people.
What is Bartonella in cats and how do they get it?
Bartonellosis, a condition that plagues many cats, is caused by a genus of gram-negative, intracellular bacteria known as Bartonella. These tiny pathogens are notorious for being arthropod-borne, which means that they are transmitted to their mammalian host, in this case, cats, through the bites of blood-sucking insects like fleas and ticks.
Interestingly, Bartonella in cats is highly adapted to its host, which means that it has evolved to live in the blood of its feline host for extended periods of time, sometimes indefinitely. This phenomenon, known as long-lasting bacteremia, is a hallmark of Bartonella infection in cats. Despite being globally widespread, Bartonella in cats seems to be especially prevalent in areas with warmer climates.
The cat flea is widely considered to be the primary vector for the transmission of this pathogen to cats. It's worth noting that flea saliva appears to have no discernible role in the transmission of Bartonella.
It is pertinent that you recognize that transmission of Bartonella among cats is not facilitated by cat bites, scratches, grooming, or even by sharing litterboxes and food dishes. Indeed, even when infected cats and non-infected cats were housed together in a flea-free environment, the transmission did not occur. It's believed that ticks and biting flies may also act as vectors for the transmission of Bartonella.
What are the symptoms of Bartonella in cats?
In most cases, cats infected with the virus will show no symptoms. However, some may present a fever for a brief period of time. Rarely, endocarditis can develop as a result of exposure to Bartonella.
How is Bartonella diagnosed in cats?
A variety of diagnostic tests are utilized to identify Bartonella infections, including serological tests, molecular tests, and culture methods.
Serological tests, such as the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), detect antibodies against Bartonella in the cat's bloodstream, indicating exposure or previous infection. Molecular testing techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identify Bartonella DNA from blood or tissue samples, providing a more direct and sensitive means of detecting active infections.
Bacterial culture methods involve isolating and cultivating Bartonella bacteria from blood or tissue samples and are the most reliable test for detecting an active Bartonella infection in cats. Your veterinarian may rely on the combination of the above tests to make a definitive diagnosis.
What is the treatment for Bartonella in cats?
Doxycycline and amoxicillin-clavulanate are generally regarded as the preferred initial treatment options for Bartonella in cats.
If there is no noticeable clinical improvement after one week of administering doxycycline or amoxicillin-clavulanate, and no other cause has been identified for the symptoms, azithromycin or fluoroquinolone (e.g. Baytril, Zeniquin) may be considered as an alternative treatment.
Antibiotics should be given for a minimum of 2-4 weeks, with treatment continuing for at least one week beyond the resolution of clinical signs to ensure complete recovery and prevent relapse.
Additionally, flea control is a crucial aspect of both treatment and prevention of Bartonella infection in cats, as fleas serve as the primary vector for the transmission of the bacteria. By implementing an effective flea control program, pet owners can significantly reduce the risk of their cats contracting Bartonella.
Routine use of flea preventatives, such as topical solutions or oral medications, helps maintain a flea-free environment for the cat and minimizes the chances of infection. Additionally, keeping the living space clean, vacuuming regularly, and washing pet bedding can further contribute to eliminating flea populations. In cases where a cat is already infected, flea control is essential for reducing the likelihood of the infection spreading to other cats in the household.
Bartonella transmission to people: Cat Scratch Fever
Cats serve as the primary reservoir and conduit for transmitting Bartonella to humans which can cause cat scratch fever. The transmission of Bartonella takes place when a cat's scratch becomes tainted with flea feces harbouring the pathogen.
As cats groom themselves, their claws may be contaminated by infected flea feces or the cat's infected blood. Another mode of transmission involves cat bites, where the infected flea excrement enters the human body through lacerated skin.
Intriguingly, some people diagnosed with bartonellosis report no contact with cats. In such instances, it is plausible that the infection was contracted through exposure to infected fleas or alternate vectors.
Current recommendations and guidelines from veterinarians and public health officials to help avoid the zoonotic transmission of Bartonella include:
- For households with immunocompromised family members, it is advisable to consider adopting a healthy cat over one year old that is free of fleas as a pet.
- Those with compromised immune systems should steer clear of interactions with cats whose health status is uncertain.
- Regular trimming of cat claws is essential.
- To minimize the risk of bites or scratches, roughhousing with cats should be avoided.
- It is crucial to promptly and thoroughly cleanse any wound caused by a cat and seek medical attention.
- Implementing a year-round flea control strategy is highly recommended.
In conclusion, Bartonella in cats plays a significant role in causing Cat Scratch Disease, a condition with notable zoonotic potential. The primary modes of transmission between cats and humans involve scratches or bites from infected felines, with cat grooming leading to the contamination of their claws with infected flea feces or blood. Additionally, contact with infected fleas or alternate vectors may also result in infection, even in the absence of direct contact with cats. An understanding of these transmission routes is vital for effective prevention and management strategies. By taking appropriate precautions, such as adopting healthy cats, avoiding rough play, maintaining flea control, and seeking prompt medical attention for cat-associated wounds, the risks associated with this zoonotic disease can be significantly reduced. If you have any questions about Bartonella in cats or cat scratch disease, please contact your veterinarian.