Lymph node histology and metagenomic sequencing in a child with cat scratch disease.

The article focuses on a pediatric case of cat scratch disease (CSD), a zoonotic infection caused by Bartonella henselae, presenting as regional lymphadenopathy following cat exposure. A 4-year-old boy with fever and enlarged lymph nodes initially received empirical antibiotics without improvement; subsequent lymph node biopsy and metagenomic sequencing of tissue confirmed Bartonella henselae infection. The case underscores the diagnostic challenges of CSD in children and highlights the value of tissue-based molecular diagnostics, such as metagenomic sequencing, especially when conventional serology and blood tests are inconclusive. Clinicians are advised to consider CSD in pediatric patients with regional lymphadenopathy and a history of cat contact to ensure timely and appropriate treatment.