30.01.2025 10:03
27-year-old Emir Kurt, who was raising a kitten in his garden in Istanbul, experienced vision loss after contracting the Bartonella bacteria due to the kitten's scratch. He stated that the vision loss in his right eye persisted after a two-month treatment process.
Kurt, who lives in Esenyurt, was scratched by a kitten he was taking care of in his garden last November.
About a month after the incident, Kurt began to experience vision loss in his right eye. He didn't take the situation seriously, but after two days of complete vision loss in his right eye and partial vision loss in his left eye, he went to the hospital.
The doctors at the first hospital he visited were unable to diagnose him and referred Kurt to Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital.
During the examinations here, tests were conducted due to the suspicion of Bartonella bacteria transmission from the cat that scratched Kurt. Following positive test results, he began medication treatment. After approximately two months of ongoing treatment, Kurt's left eye returned to normal, while the 70% vision loss in his right eye continues.
HE EXPERIENCED VISION LOSS WHEN HE WOKE UP IN THE MORNING
Emir Kurt, who shared his experiences with an AA reporter, explained that the cat he was raising in the garden scratched his hand, and about a month later, he experienced vision loss when he woke up in the morning. "I thought I was having a problem due to the wind because I ride a motorcycle," said Kurt. "I went to school. Two days after this incident, I completely lost vision in my right eye, and it started in my left eye. I went to the hospital. They sent me to Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital for an eye angiography. The doctors here immediately understood that I had Bartonella and requested tests. I started medication treatment," he stated.
LEFT EYE RECOVERED, 70% LOSS IN THE RIGHT
Kurt, who reported that his treatment is ongoing, said, "The vision loss in my left eye has improved, while my right eye can only see 30%. I am now waiting for the day I will recover. For the past 3-4 years, I have been treating street cats in my garden and taking care of them. I never thought I would experience something like this because of a cat. I knew there were bacteria in cats, but I had no idea it could lead to such results. It's a very bad feeling. It doesn't matter if it's rabies or bacteria; after any contact with animals like this, one should definitely go to the hospital." he expressed.
"CLEANING MUST BE DONE IMMEDIATELY"
Dr. Mehmet Erdoğan, an Eye Diseases Specialist at Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, shared important information regarding Bartonella bacteria.
Emphasizing that this bacteria is particularly transmitted from cats, Erdoğan stated, "It can be transmitted through cat bites, scratches, or contact with an open wound. Especially, swelling, burning, and discomfort can occur at the contact site, and swelling may develop in the lymph nodes where the bite occurred. In the eye, it can cause inflammation in the optic nerve center, which we call neuroretinitis. The affected area must be cleaned with plenty of soap and water after contact. If symptoms appear within a week to 10 days, one should visit the nearest health center. If diagnosed late or if the condition is severe, it can lead to permanent vision loss." he said.
"EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS VERY IMPORTANT"
Erdoğan emphasized that the bacteria is mostly transmitted from outdoor cats, but even indoor cats should be cleaned when they come back from outside. "They should be cared for under veterinary supervision. It is a type of bacteria whose treatment lasts between 2 to 6 months. Early diagnosis is very important in this regard," he concluded.