Cat scratch disease typically presents with fever, malaise, and what?

Cat scratch disease typically presents with fever, malaise, and what?

• A. Joint pain, conjunctivitis, mild neck stiffness
• B. Irritability, fever, hypotension
• C. Fever, malaise, lymphadenopathy
• D. Severe cough, vomiting, anorexia

Answer: (C)

Cat scratch disease is caused by Bartonella henselae and follows a cat scratch or bite. After systemic symptoms like fever and malaise, the hallmark finding is regional lymphadenopathy—swollen, tender lymph nodes near the site of inoculation (often in the armpit or around the scratch). This lymph node involvement reflects the bacteria spreading through the lymphatic system to nearby nodes. While fever and malaise are common, the addition of localized lymph node swelling is what uniquely characterizes this condition. Other listed symptoms don’t typically define cat scratch disease, making regional lymphadenopathy the best-fit third feature.

Cat scratch disease is caused by Bartonella henselae and follows a cat scratch or bite. After systemic symptoms like fever and malaise, the hallmark finding is regional lymphadenopathy—swollen, tender lymph nodes near the site of inoculation (often in the armpit or around the scratch). This lymph node involvement reflects the bacteria spreading through the lymphatic system to nearby nodes. While fever and malaise are common, the addition of localized lymph node swelling is what uniquely characterizes this condition. Other listed symptoms don’t typically define cat scratch disease, making regional lymphadenopathy the best-fit third feature.