Corticosteroid Therapy of Cat-Scratch Disease

Abstract

Cat-scratch disease, (nonbacterial regional lymphadenitis, benign infectious lymphoreticulosis), is a nonbacterial regional lymphadenitis that occurs from 3 days to several months after a cat scratch. The course is variable and probably subclinical in some patients, as determined by skin-testing occupational groups with close contact with cats. The full-blown disease may be associated with marked systemic symptoms, fever, anorexia, malaise, weakness, and with severe local symptoms as a result of the markedly tender regional lymphadenopathy. Recent reports have stressed its fall and winter preponderance. Of the cases in one series, 90% occurred during the months of September to February. It seems to occur on occasion in epidemic form.¹Although the disease is self-limited, and spontaneous and complete remission is the rule, it may be associated with severe discomfort and occasionally severe complications. Many therapeutic agents have been used in treatment, namely sulfonamides, chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin), tetracycline, erythromycin, penicillin, and streptomycin, singly