Cat-scratch disease.

Cat-scratch disease is a self-limited disease associated with contact with cats that causes regional lymphadenopathy in children and young adults. Recently identification of the probable causative organism, a gram-negative, non-acid-fast coccobacillus, has been achieved through special staining techniques from skin inoculation sites and involved lymph tissue. Differential diagnosis includes a variety of other infectious diseases and neoplasms. Diagnosis of cat-scratch disease can be made by presence of typical clinical findings, history of exposure to cats, results of skin testing to cat-scratch antigen, and in some circumstances, biopsy or fine-needle aspiration from skin inoculation site or involved lymph nodes. Future developments awaiting culture of the suspected bacterium include a vaccine for prevention, rapid diagnostic methods, and antimicrobial testing.