Pets

A pet is a source of enjoyment for any family and a learning experience for kids. But pets cam transmit a number of germs that can make a family member sick. This includes dogs, cats, birds, rodents and reptiles. Infections < pets carry are transmitted to humans by scratching, biting, saliva, animal waste, and dander. Illnesses common among pets such as distemper, canine parvovirus, and heartworms cannot be transmitted to humans.

Most infections pets carry are fairly harmless to adults. Young children and infants are at particular risk from this illness, because their immune system is not as well developed. Pregnant women and their fetuses, as well, are at increased risk from the infections pets carry.

Reptiles and amphibians should not be allowed as pets in any household with infants and young children. Avoid a pet that would require frequent handling for any immunocompromised child (such as child who has HIV, has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy, or uses prednisone frequently).

Bacterial Infections Caused by Pets:

Campylobacter Infection:

Campyylobacteriosis is an infectious disease carried by dogs and cats caused by bacteria of the genus Campylobacter. Most people who become ill with campylobacteriosis get diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever within two to five days after exposure to the organism. The diarrhea may be bloody and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The illness typically lasts one week. Some infected persons do not have any symptoms. This infection is treated with antibiotics.

Cat Scratch Disease:

It is estimated that up to 40% of cats carry this illness at some point in their lives. It is caused by the Bartonella henselae bacteria and is transmitted through bites and scratches. The resulting infection causes fever, fatigue, headaches and swollen lymph nodes. Antibiotics may be used if the infection is severe. Cat scratch disease rarely causes long-term complications.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF):

Rockey Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is the most severe tick-borne rickettsial illness in the United States. This disease is caused by infection with the bacterial organism Rickettsia rickettsii by infected ticks carrying the which are carried indoors by dogs and cats. Symptoms of RMSF include high fever, chills, muscles aches and headaches as well as rash that may spread across the wrists, ankles palms, soles and trunk of the body RMSF, can be treated with antibiotics.

Salmonellosis:

Reptiles and amphibians shed Salmonella in their feces. Touching the reptile’s skin, cage, and other contaminated surfaces can lead to infection in children. Salmonellosis causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Young children are at risk for more serious illness, including dehydration, meningitis, and sepsis (blood infection).

Psittacosis:

Also known as “parrot fever”, this infection is passed from an infected bird through feces or dust in the cage. It causes respiratory issues, fever and headache. It is caused by the bacterium Chalmydia psittaci  and is treated with antibiotics.

Mycobacteria marinum:

This infection is caused by coming into contact by coming into contact with contaminated aquarium or pond water inhabited by reptiles. It results in a skin infection where the bacterium enters the body but infections can be more severe in children with HIV or with weakened immune systems.

Parasitic infections Caused by pets

Toxacariasis:

This infection is caused by the roundworm, Toxocara. Eggs are passed through dog and cat feces, which are deposited in the soil where children play. If the soil is ingested and the child is infected, he or she may experience fever, cough, enlarged liver, swollen lymph nodes and rash. Medication is usually to de-worm the intestines.

Toxoplasmosis:

A single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii causes a disease known as toxoplasmosis. Of those who are infected, very few have symptoms because a healthy person’s immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, pregnant women and individuals who have compromised immune systems should be cautious; for them, a Toxoplasma infection could cause serious health problems. An infection can result in miscarriage or premature birth. If the baby survives, he or she may be seriously ill. While the most common cause of this infection is eating undercooked, contaminated meat accidently swallowing the parasite after cleaning a cat’s litter box when the cat has shed Toxoplasma in its feces is

Cryptosporidium:

This parasite is carried by dogs, cats and rodents and can cause flu like symptoms in addition to diarrhea.

Viral Infections Caused by Pets

Rabies:

Although this is an extremely feared infection, it is rarely contracted by pets and humans due to widespread vaccination against the disease. The virus enters the body through a bite or wound contaminated by the saliva from an infected animal. Animals that may carry the rabies virus include raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes. Human rabies is rare in the United States, and a vaccine is available for treatment following a bite from a potentially rabid animal.

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis:

This virus is carried by rodents, primarily mice and hamsters. A child can become infected when he or she inhales infected feces, urine or saliva particles. LCM can cause flu-like symptoms- fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting- and may even lead to meningitis and encephalitis As with most viruses, there is no specific treatment, but some patients may require hospitalization. Like toxoplasmosis, LCM may be passed from infected mother to fetus.

Thanks,

Health, March-2013