Yamaguchi University Launches Crowdfunding Campaign to Develop Rapid Cat Scratch Disease Test Kit

Yamaguchi, Japan — February 22, 2026 — The Department of Laboratory Sciences at Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine (President: Yukio Tanizawa) is spearheading a pivotal project to advance awareness of cat scratch disease and accelerate the development of a rapid diagnostic test kit.

Cat and child (image)

Coinciding with Japan’s Cat Day on February 22, the project aims to educate the public about cat scratch disease, a condition transmitted from cats to humans, affecting around 10,000 people annually in Japan, especially children. The disease, caused by Bartonella henselae, presents with symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes and fever, but is often difficult to diagnose promptly using current specialized laboratory tests.

To address this challenge, Yamaguchi University’s research team is developing a rapid test kit that can deliver results in 15 to 30 minutes at medical facilities, similar to the influenza rapid test. This innovation promises to bring early diagnosis and peace of mind to both cat owners and patients, ensuring prompt treatment and reducing anxiety.

To make this pioneering kit a reality, the project is currently raising funds through the crowdfunding platform “READYFOR.” As of February 18, 60% of the funding goal has been achieved. The campaign runs until March 18, 2026. Supporters can learn more or contribute at: https://readyfor.jp/projects/neko-hikkaki-byo

The research and development team features leading professors from the Departments of Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, Ophthalmology, and Veterinary Medicine at Yamaguchi University.

For more information about cat scratch disease and the ongoing research, visit: https://www.yamaguchi-u.ac.jp/med/research/column_v1/index.html

Video] Public Lecture "Do you know about Cat Scratch Disease?

At the public lecture held on January 31, 2011, Professor Hidehiro Tsuneoka and Kenichiro Otsuyama, Lecturer, took the stage to discuss how to prevent the disease and the kit under development. The event attracted many people and was covered by the media.

Digest videos of the event and easy-to-understand explanations are available on YouTube and the university website.

Yamaguchi University School of Medicine Web site: 

https://www.yamaguchi-u.ac.jp/med/news/6838/index.html

Yamaguchi University Hospital Channel: 

https://youtube.com/shorts/0JflDcL15QM?si=FF5f1whrDO3fj84g