Cat scratch disease in an immunosuppressed patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Cat scratch disease is an infectious disorder transmitted by cats that typically affects children and young adults. Immunosuppression is a well-known risk factor for the development of severe and atypical forms of the disease; hence it is under-diagnosed in patients with compromised immunity. We are reporting the first case of cat scratch disease, which presented as fever and fatigue, in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus while receiving immunosuppressant therapy after a kidney transplant.

Keywords: Bartonella; Cat scratch disease; immunosuppression; systemic lupus erythematosus; transplantation.