What is cat-scratch disease?
Cat-scratch disease, also called CSD, is an infection caused by being scratched, licked, or bitten by an infected cat. Kittens less than 12 months old and stray cats are more likely to cause CSD. This disease causes swelling of the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small rounded lumps of tissues that make up part of the immune system. The immune system helps the body fight infection and disease. Cat-scratch disease is more common during the fall and winter seasons. It often affects people under 21 years of age, especially children who are aged 2 to 14 years. CSD often causes mild problems but it can lead to serious problems in people with a weak immune system.
