Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

How is cat-scratch disease typically contracted?

1. Consumption of contaminated food

2. Exposure to infected blood

3. Break in skin from animal scratch

4. Inhalation of mold spores

The correct answer is: Break in skin from animal scratch

Cat-scratch disease is primarily contracted through a break in the skin from an infected cat scratch or bite. The infection is caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae, which is commonly found in fleas and can be transmitted to cats. When an infected cat scratches or bites a human, the bacteria can enter the body through the broken skin, leading to the symptoms associated with cat-scratch disease. While other options like exposure to blood or contaminated food are relevant to various diseases, they are not the primary transmission route for cat-scratch disease. Inhalation of mold spores pertains to allergic responses and respiratory conditions, which are unrelated to the specifics of cat-scratch disease. Understanding the specific transmission route helps in both prevention and awareness of the disease's risks.