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Cat Scratch Disease: A Primary Care Case of Acute Lymphadenopathy

Margarida PEREIRA and Beatriz NOBRE

Cat Scratch Disease (CSD), caused by Bartonella henselae, is a frequent cause of localized lymphadenopathy in young adults after exposure to cats—especially kittens. Although typically self-limiting, its presentation can mimic other infectious and inflammatory conditions, making clinical recognition important in Primary Care.A 25-year-old woman presented to a Primary Care acute consultation with a two-day history of painful lymphadenopathies. She also reported low-grade fever (maximum 37.9°C), fatigue, headaches, and myalgias. Past medical history included asthma and polycystic ovary syndrome. Current medications were drospirenone/ethinylestradiol and inhaled budesonide/formoterol. No drug allergies were reported. When asked about animal exposure, she revealed that she had adopted a kitten from an animal shelter one week earlier. Examination revealed multiple cat scratches on the hands, arms, and neck, and a pustule with erythema and edema in the left retroauricular area. Tender cervical, supraclavicular, and axillary lymphadenopathies were palpated, more prominent on the left. No systemic warning signs or hepatomegaly were identified. The clinical presentation was consistent with Cat Scratch Disease, and treated with azithromycin (500 mg on day 1, then 250 mg/day for four days), along with paracetamol as needed. At two-week follow-up, the patient showed complete resolution of symptoms.This case illustrates efficient history-based diagnosis in Primary Care, avoiding unnecessary investigations. The presence of a well-defined inoculation lesion, not always reported, strengthened diagnostic certainty.Routine questioning about animal exposure is essential when evaluating lymphadenopathy. Early recognition of CSD can reduce diagnostic delays and unnecessary referrals. Decision tools may further support Primary Care assessment.The constellation of unilateral painful lymphadenopathy, inoculation lesion, and recent kitten exposure strongly supported CSD. Evidence indicates azithromycin accelerates lymph node regression in symptomatic cases. The rapid response in this patient reinforces its usefulness in clinical practice.This case demonstrates how a focused clinical history and recognition of typical findings can lead to timely diagnosis and effective treatment of Cat Scratch Disease in Primary Care, preventing unnecessary tests and ensuring rapid patient recovery.