What is the typical treatment for Cat-scratch disease?

Cat-scratch disease, typically caused by Bartonella henselae, is often self-limited in healthy individuals. However, in cases where treatment is necessary—especially for those with more severe symptoms, prolonged illness, or immunocompromised patients—azithromycin is the standard choice of therapy. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity and duration of symptoms associated with Cat-scratch disease, particularly in cases of lymphadenopathy.

The choice of azithromycin is based not just on its antibiotic properties but also on its favorable side effect profile and ease of administration. While in most cases, the disease will resolve on its own, the use of azithromycin addresses any significant symptoms or complications that may arise.

Other treatments listed do not correspond effectively with the management of Cat-scratch disease. For example, acyclovir is an antiviral medication used primarily for herpes virus infections, not bacterial infections like Cat-scratch disease. Similarly, amoxicillin—a penicillin-type antibiotic—is not effective against Bartonella species, and vancomycin targets gram-positive bacteria, primarily methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), thus lacking efficacy for this specific condition.