New research shows pets can transmit illnesses to people, and this phenomenon can be especially dangerous for those with weakened immune systems.
The researchers urge pet owners to be aware of the risk to protect people who could be vulnerable to these infections, the Canadian Medical Association Journal reported. The study showed people and veterinarians are generally unaware of these risks; for example, 77 percent of households that obtained a new pet following a cancer diagnosis acquired a "high-risk pet."
"Studies suggest physicians do not regularly ask about pet contact, nor do they discuss the risks of zoonotic diseases with patients, regardless of the patient's immune status ," said Jason Stull, assistant professor at Ohio State University's Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine.
Almost all pets can transmit Salmonella, multidrug resistant bacteria, Campylobacter jejun and other diseases. Parasites such as hookworm, roundworm and Toxoplasma are also transmittable. Bites from certain animals can also cause serious infections. Indirect transmission can occur from contact with a surface that has been contaminated by a reptile or amphibian.
"Reptiles and amphibians are estimated to be responsible for 11 [percent] of all sporadic Salmonella infections among patients less than 21 years of age, and direct contact with such animals is not required for zoonotic transmission," wrote the authors. "In one study, 31 [percent] of reptile-associated salmonellosis cases occurred in children less than 5 years of age and 17 [percent] occurred in children aged 1 year or younger; these findings highlight the heightened risk in children and the potential for reptile-associated Salmonella to be transmitted without direct contact with the animal or its enclosure."
Healthy people generally have a low risk of contracting an illness from a pet, but young children, the elderly, and those with immune system-weakening illnesses such as leukemia have a considerably higher risk.
"Given the health benefits of animal ownership and the reluctance of patients to give up their pets, resources highlight the importance of following specific precautions," Stull said. "Patients at high risk and their households should have increased vigilance of their pets' health and take precautions to reduce pathogen transmission."
