An infection in humans caused by a small gram-negative BACILLUS (Bartonella henselae) commonly carried by domestic cats. It starts as a skin lesion 3–10 days after a minor scratch; within two weeks the victim's lymph glands enlarge and may produce pus. Fever, headache and malaise occur in some patients. Antibiotics do not seem to be effective. The skin lesion and lymph-gland enlargement subside spontaneously within 2–5 months.