Cat-scratch Disease Diagnosed Serologically Using an Enzyme Immunoassay in a Patient With Neuroretinitis

Cat-scratch disease is a systemic illness characterized by lymphadenopathy, fever, and malaise. Ophthalmic findings may include neuroretinitis. The predominant agent responsible for cat-scratch disease is believed to beBartonella (Rochalimaea) henselae. A host antibody response to this organism can be detected serologically by an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test.1,2Since the availability of this test, we are aware of only one article in the ophthalmology literature reporting its usefulness in patients with primarily ophthalmic findings.3We report an additional case, describing a young girl with neuroretinitis, that was diagnosed serologically using this enzyme immunoassay. Report of a Case. A 10-year-old girl was examined for decreased vision in the left eye. One month earlier, her 5-month-old household kitten had scratched her face, and about 2 weeks later, a febrile illness that lasted for 5 days developed in the child. Her visual acuity was 20/20 OD and she counted fingers at