11 March 2002
Cat-scratch disease in an immunocompromised host.
Simin Pour Schahin, Alexander Schmelzer, Eckhart Georg Hahn, Igor Alexander Harsch, Peter Christopher KonturekMed Sci Monit 2002; 8(3): CS26-29 :: ID: 420899
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The main causative agents of cat-scratch disease are Bartonellahenselae, tiny, gram-negative bacilli. The disease usually has a benign course with the development ofa papule at the inoculation site, followed by regional lymphadenopathy. In most cases, complete resolutionoccurs, but in immunocompromised hosts, the course of the disease can be aggravated. CASE REPORT: A patientreceived methotrexate and corticosteroids for 3 months due to rheumatoid arthritis. He developed fever,exanthema and leukopenia under methotrexate therapy. Dark red indurations with central ulcerations athis right thigh revealed a further problem apart from the methotrexate-induced leucopenia and immunosuppression.The ulcerations were the remainders of recurrent scratches from the patient's cat. The patient's antibodytiters against Bartonella henselae remained low and inguinal lymph node swelling was only for a shorttime to be observed, this reaction obviously weakened as a result of the immunosuppression. However,the typical course, the exclusion of other reasons for the exanthema and the rapid improvement of thepatient's condition after antibiotic treatment ascertained the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: In immunocompromisedhosts, diseases with a typically benign course can become severe and life-threatening illnesses. Ownershipof pets should be taken into consideration before onset of an immunosuppressive therapy.
Keywords: Bartonella henselae, Cat-Scratch Disease, Cats, Immunocompromised Host, Immunosuppression, Immunosuppressive Agents
Editorial
01 May 2024 : Editorial
Editorial: First Regulatory Approval for Adoptive Cell Therapy with Autologous Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) – Lifileucel (Amtagvi)DOI: 10.12659/MSM.944927
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e944927
In Press
12 Mar 2024 : Database Analysis
Risk Factors of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Population-Based Study: Results from SHIP-TREND-1 (St...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943140
12 Mar 2024 : Clinical Research
Preoperative Blood Transfusion Requirements for Hemorrhoidal Severe Anemia: A Retrospective Study of 128 Pa...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943126
12 Mar 2024 : Clinical Research
Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and 3 (TIMP-3) as New Markers of Acute Kidney Injury Afte...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943500
12 Mar 2024 : Review article
Optimizing Behçet Uveitis Management: A Review of Personalized Immunosuppressive StrategiesMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943240
Most Viewed Current Articles
17 Jan 2024 : Review article
Vaccination Guidelines for Pregnant Women: Addressing COVID-19 and the Omicron VariantDOI :10.12659/MSM.942799
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942799
14 Dec 2022 : Clinical Research
Prevalence and Variability of Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Patients with Elevated Tryptase LevelsDOI :10.12659/MSM.937990
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e937990
16 May 2023 : Clinical Research
Electrophysiological Testing for an Auditory Processing Disorder and Reading Performance in 54 School Stude...DOI :10.12659/MSM.940387
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940387
01 Jan 2022 : Editorial
Editorial: Current Status of Oral Antiviral Drug Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Non-Hospitalized Pa...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935952
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935952