Bartonella henselae: The GP's Guide to Cat Scratch Disease
From Synapse: The Australian GP Studycast by Mukul Modgil
May 11, 2026 · 23 min · Season 2 · Episode 26
About this episode
This episode discusses Cat Scratch Disease caused by Bartonella henselae, its commonality in general practice, and its varied presentations, especially in older patients.
Send us Fan Mail Cat scratch disease is caused by Bartonella henselae — a bacterium carried by cats and their fleas — and it's far more common in general practice than most GPs realise. The classic presentation of tender regional lymphadenopathy after a kitten scratch is easy enough, but 10–15% of patients develop systemic disease involving the liver, spleen, eyes, or nervous system, and in patients over 60 the picture can look nothing like the textbook: think fever of unknown origin, culture...
People in this episode
Host: Mukul Modgil
Topics covered
- Bartonella henselae
- Cat Scratch Disease
- general practice
- systemic disease
- lymphadenopathy
- elderly patients
Keywords
- Bartonella henselae
- Cat Scratch Disease
- lymphadenopathy
- systemic disease
- general practice
- elderly patients
- fever of unknown origin
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Bartonella henselae, Cat Scratch Disease
Places: Australia
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