Unexpected Adventures at 27: A Cat’s Influence
A 27-year-old man in Istanbul recently experienced a terrifying ordeal after being scratched by a kitten in his garden. Emir Kurt, who resides in Esenyurt, suffered from visual loss after being infected with Bartonella bacteria from the scratch.
Last November, Kurt was scratched by the kitten in his garden, but he did not think much of it at the time. However, about a month later, he began experiencing vision loss in his right eye, which quickly progressed to complete vision loss in his left eye. Concerned about his condition, he sought medical attention at a hospital.
Doctors initially struggled to diagnose Kurt’s condition, but eventually referred him to Süleyman Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital for further examination. After tests confirmed the presence of Bartonella bacteria, Kurt was immediately started on drug treatment.
Over the course of about 2 months, Kurt underwent treatment which resulted in a significant improvement in his left eye, but his right eye still suffers from a 70% vision loss. Reflecting on his experience, Kurt stated that he never expected such a serious consequence from a simple scratch by a cat.
Dr. Mehmet Erdogan, an Ophthalmology Specialist at the hospital, warned about the importance of cleaning wounds caused by cats to prevent Bartonella bacteria infection. He emphasized that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing complications from the infection, which typically occurs in cats living outside.
In light of this incident, it is important for individuals who come in contact with cats to maintain proper hygiene and seek medical attention if they experience any unusual symptoms. By taking necessary precautions, the risk of Bartonella bacteria infection can be minimized, and potential health complications can be avoided.
