Epidemiology of Cat-Scratch Disease Hospitalizations Among Children in the United States

Cat-scratch disease (CSD), caused by infection with Bartonellahenselae,affects both children and adults but is principally a pediatric disease. Typical CSD is generally benign and self-limited and is characterized by regional lymphadenopathy with fever. Infections can, however, be accompanied by focal or diffuse inflammatory responses (atypical CSD) involving neurologic, organ (liver/spleen), lymphatic or skeletal systems.