Cat pox

Last Updated: 2020-08-11

Author(s): Anzengruber, Navarini

A rare human smallpox disease transmitted by cats.

Transmission occurs via rodents and cattle, but mainly via cats. Skin lesions serve as entry ports.

  • Usually only one primary lesion, which initially appears as a reddened macula
  • In the course of the disease, formation of pustules and lumps, possibly an ulceration
  • Otherwise a reduced general condition, fever and lymphadenopathy
  • Clinical features
  • Electron microscopy (negative contrasting)
  • Serology
  • Pathogen detection

In almost 50% of cases hands or fingers are affected, otherwise face and neck.

Scarred healing occurs in 6-8 weeks.

  • Topical antiseptic
  • Approved systemic drugs do not exist. Cidovir has been shown to be effective in studies, but its use must be discussed due to its potentially lethal side effects
  1. Feuerstein B, Jurgens M, Schnetz E, Fartasch M, Simon M, Jr. [Cowpox and catpox infection. 2 Clinical case reports]. Hautarzt 2000;51:852-6.
  2. Mahnel H. [Catpox in Germany]. Tierarztl Prax 1991;19:419-22.
  3. Vestey JP, Yirrell DL, Aldridge RD. Cowpox/catpox infection. Br J Dermatol 1991;124:74-8.
  4. Steinborn A, Essbauer S, Marsch W. [Human cowpox/catpox infection. A potentially unrecognized disease]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2003;128:607-10.
  5. Vestey JP, Yirrell DL, Norval M. What is human catpox/cowpox infection? Int J Dermatol 1991;30:696-8.
  6. Yirrell DL, Vestey JP, Norval M, Aldridge RD. Human catpox/cowpox infection. Vet Rec 1990;127:24.