Patient discussions
Awareness of the risk of cat scratches and bites, and prompt washing of any wounds, is essential to prevent cat-scratch disease. Hand washing after playing with cats and kittens is recommended. Immunocompromised people should consider the risks of cat ownership and avoid owning cats less than 1 year old. Flea prevention in cats (and dogs, especially if cats and dogs are in the same household) is recommended. Cats should be kept indoors if possible.[33]
Insect repellents and protective clothing should be used to prevent Bartonella bacilliformis infections in regions infested with the sand fly Lutzomyia verrucarum. Sand flies are most active at dawn and dusk; therefore, outdoor activities should be limited at these times to avoid bites.[33]
Body lice are usually associated with poor personal hygiene and conditions of crowding. Maintaining good personal hygiene and regularly washing clothing, bedding, and towels can help to protect against the human louse that transmits Bartonella quintana infections.[33][41]
Chemical insecticides may be needed to prevent and control body lice in certain circumstances.[41]
Patients should be instructed to report any allergic or other types of adverse effects while taking antibiotics. Women of child-bearing age taking doxycycline should be advised to use appropriate contraceptive measures to prevent pregnancy while on therapy. They should be encouraged to contact the primary care physician immediately if pregnancy is suspected.
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