Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

cat scratch disease
See 
cat scratch fever.
cat scratch fever
An infection caused by the
Bartonella henslae bacteria. Almost half of all
domestic cats carry these bacteria and can transmit
it to humans through a scratch or bite. Cat scratch
fever causes swelling of the lymph nodes, sore
throat, fatigue, fever, chills, sweats, vomiting, loss of
appetite, and weight loss. There is usually a little
bump (a papule), which may be pus-filled (a pus-
tule), at the site of the scratch. In people with
immunodeficiency, cat scratch fever can progress to
bacillary angiomatosis, a bacterial skin infection
that can be treated with the antibiotics rifampin,
ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and
gentamicin.
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catabolism
See 
metabolism.
catalepsy
A body’s persistence in unusual pos-
tures, with waxy rigidity of the limbs, mutism, and
complete inactivity, regardless of outside stimuli, as
is sometimes seen in catatonic schizophrenia.
catalyst
A substance that speeds up a chemical
reaction but is not consumed or altered in the
process. Catalysts are of immense importance in
chemistry and biology. All enzymes are catalysts that
expedite the biochemical reactions necessary for
life. The enzymes in saliva, for example, accelerate
the conversion of starch to glucose, doing in min-
utes what would otherwise take weeks.
cataplexy
A debilitating condition in which a per-
son suddenly feels weak and collapses at times of
strong emotion such as during laughter, anger, fear,
or surprise. In so collapsing, people with cataplexy
may injure themselves. For example, laughter and
other emotions may trigger a reflex that can bring
many of the muscles of the body to the point of col-
lapse. Cataplexy often affects people who have nar-
colepsy.
cataract
A clouding or loss of transparency of the
lens in the eye as a result of increased water con-
tent. There are many causes of cataracts, including
aging, cortisone medication, trauma, diabetes, and
other diseases. Cataracts affect most people who live
into old age. Symptoms include double or blurred
vision and sensitivity to light and glare. A physician
can diagnose cataracts by examining the eyes with a
viewing instrument. Sunglasses can help to prevent
cataracts. See also 
cataract surgery.