Gentamicin injection for treating lymphadenitis from cat scratch disease

Intra-nodal Injection of Gentamicin for the Treatment of Suppurated Cat Scratch Disease's Lymphadenitis: A Randomized Controlled Study

PHASE3 · University Hospital, Toulouse · NCT03132116

This study is testing if an injection of gentamicin can help people with swollen lymph nodes from cat scratch disease feel better compared to a placebo treatment.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Toulouse (other)
Locations21 sites (Albi and 20 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03132116 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial compares the effects of intra-nodal injection of gentamicin against a placebo in patients suffering from suppurated lymphadenitis caused by cat scratch disease. After pus aspiration for diagnostic purposes, participants will receive either gentamicin or a saline placebo, alongside a 5-day course of oral azithromycin. The study is double-blind and controlled, aiming to assess outcomes at 28 days post-treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with confirmed suppurated cat scratch disease lymphadenitis who meet the inclusion criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with non-suppurated lymphadenitis or those with other conditions unrelated to cat scratch disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a more effective option for patients suffering from severe lymphadenitis due to cat scratch disease.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of cat scratch disease, similar interventions using intra-nodal injections have shown promise in other infectious diseases.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Informed consent
* Suppurated CSD's adenitis:

  * Suppurated form of adenitis confirmed by echography
  * Serology positive for Immunoglobulin G and/or Immunoglobulin M against B. henselae

Exclusion Criteria:

* Suppurated adenitis non related to CSD
* Non-suppurated CSD's adenitis
* Suppurated CSD's adenitis already fistulized
* Suspected visceral B. henselae infection (neurologic or ophthalmic symptoms, hepato-splenic or valvular involvement confirmed by echography)
* Immunodepression (except diabetes)
* Pregnancy
* Contraindication to pus aspiration from lymphadenitis (history of bleeding or patient taking curative anticoagulation therapy or platelet count \< 50.000/mm3)
* Contraindication to azithromycin (history of QT interval prolongation, history of liver toxicity of hypersensitivity to macrolides or treatment with ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, bepridil, cisapride, pimozide, mizolastine or colchicine) or to aminoglycosides (myasthenia, history of hypersensitivity to aminoglycosides).

Where this trial is running

Albi and 20 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cat-Scratch Disease, Cat Scratch Disease's lymphadenitis, Infectious Diseases

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.