Bartonella henselae: The GP's Guide to Cat Scratch Disease

Send us Fan MailCat scratch disease is caused by Bartonella henselae — a bacterium carried by cats and their fleas — and it's far more common in general practice than most GPs realise. The classic presentation of tender regional lymphadenopathy after a kitten scratch is easy enough, but 10–15% of patients develop systemic disease involving the liver, spleen, eyes, or nervous system, and in patients over 60 the picture can look nothing like the textbook: think fever of unknown origin, culture-negative endocarditis, or unexplained encephalitis.In this episode we cover the full diagnostic and management approach: how to make the diagnosis clinically, why a negative serology doesn't rule it out, when azithromycin is (and isn't) indicated, and which patients need urgent specialist input. All management is drawn directly from Therapeutic Guidelines. Whether you see one case a year or one a month, this episode will make you faster and more confident when that next scratched kitten walks through your door.GP Fellowship exams, AMC MCQ Recalls, AMC Clinical Exam criteria, Australian therapeutic guidelines, PESCI preparation. ⚠️ Disclaimer: The voices in this podcast are AI-generated. This content is produced for educational and learning purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical decisions should always be made in accordance with current guidelines, individual patient circumstances, and in consultation with appropriate colleagues and specialists.Support the show⚠️ Disclaimer: The voices in this podcast are AI-generated. This content is produced for entertainment and learning purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical decisions should always be made in accordance with current guidelines, individual patient circumstances, and in consultation with appropriate colleagues and specialists.