A study on wounds caused by cats as basic materials of cat scratch disease

Abstract

Between October, 1992 and March, 1993, the incidence of bite or scratch by the cat, was surveyed by questionnaire in 1,619 peoples who were veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students and the general population (male 652, female 967). The wound rate by cat: Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students of veterinary college, students of veterinary technician school were significantly higher than the general population. Incidence of bite or scratch in the cat owner were significantly higher than the non cat owner, and the incidence of wounds in cat owners was more than 90%. Most injuries for veterinarians were of the occupational nature. Their injuries clearly differed from those of the other groups. In our survey 33 cases were suspected to have CSD; 19 of 102 veterinarians, 4 of 45 veterinary technicians, 2 of 517 students of veterinary college, 1 of 400 students of veterinary technicians, 7 of 555 in the general population. Of the seven cases suspected for CSD among the general population, four were proven to have cat-scratches, suggesting that injuries can be prevented by clipping the cat's nails at home. However, most of the injuries suffered by veterinarians are caused by bites, prevention poses a more serious problem. It is therefore important to educate people in all fields to fully understand sanitation and zoonosis including CSD, and teach them to handle their pets appropriately.