Both B. bacilliformis and B. quintana are transmitted to humans via an arthropod vector. The classic sign of CSD is regional lymphadenopathy with painful nodes, low grade fever and malaise. Signs typically last up to 2-4 months without antibiotic therapy. A primary cutaneous inoculation lesion at the site of a cat bite or scratch occurs in up to one-half of the cases. Fever, weight loss and organomegaly are commonly seen.
Cat scratches and bites are risk factors for the disease.
Bacillary Peliosis results from B. henselae infection of the vascular parenchyma occurring in immunocompromised people. Cystic, blood-filled spaces develop in the liver, spleen or lymph nodes. Fever, abdominal pain, GI signs, weight loss and cachexia are seen. Cat scratches or bites are risk factors for the disease. A Febrile Bacteremia Syndrome occurs secondary to B. henselae bacteremia.