Cat scratch fever is a bacterial infection that is known in the medical community as Bartonella henselae. Bartonella henselae is present in the saliva of infected cats and is spread to humans through bites, scratching, or licking open wounds on...
The bacterium bartonella henselae causes the illness cat scratch fever, also known as cat scratch disease. Transmission of the bacteria occurs via scratches or a bite from an infected kitten or cat. Lymph node swelling in the area near the wound...
In your neck there are structures called lymph nodes that are part of your body's immune system. Their job is to filter, trap and destroy bacteria and other substances that can cause disease. When this process occurs the lymph nodes can grow...
Your lymph nodes keep you healthy by fighting off sickness, bacteria and viruses that invade your body. You may notice pain in your lymph nodes if they become swollen. This usually occurs around your neck, chin, groin and armpits. This swelling...
You have lymph nodes throughout your body, and they help your body identify and attack germs and other substances that can lead to infection, illness or disease. When you have swollen lymph nodes, one or more of these nodes becomes inflamed and...
Imaging studies of the liver, including ultrasound, CT and MRI scans, allow doctors to visualize the structure and texture of the organ. The liver normally has a uniform appearance on imaging scans. A spot on the liver describes an area that...
Rare is the adult who can't conjure up a childhood memory of approaching a friendly, purring kitten only to have a parent or adult caretaker say sternly, "Don't touch that cat---it could have a disease." Handling a cat is unlikely to result in...
Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can multiply quickly in your body and cause serious health consequences if not treated in a timely and appropriate manner. One of the most common indications that an infection is caused by bacteria is...
Overview
Domestic pets cause most animal bites. Dogs are more likely to bite than cats. However, cat bites are more likely to cause infection. Bites from wild animals carry the risk of rabies. Rabies is common in raccoons, skunks, bats and...
Rashes are the body's normal response to a variety of infections, irritants or possibly animals, foods and certain medications. The skin lesions that develop vary in appearance, size and location, depending on the cause. During a physical exam by...