Common pet infectious diseases
Nowadays, more and more different types of animals are being brought into the home. But did you know that these pets can also carry diseases to humans? Because some pathogens, although they do not cause diseased animals. But when that type of infection comes in contact with people, it can cause serious disease.
1. Rabies
It is considered a very serious disease because of its high mortality rate. The disease is caused by the rabies virus that enters the body when bitten by an animal. or being licked by animals on mucous membranes or open wounds causing an inability to swallow excessive salivation, fear of light, restlessness aggressive behavior and finally seep The virus is not only found in dogs. But it can be found in all mammals, including dogs, cats, mice, bats.
2. Bacterial diarrhea
The most common bacteria, such as campylobacter and salmonella, are caused by touching the feces of dogs and cats and not washing their hands thoroughly before putting food in their mouths. Cause fever, abdominal pain, loose stools, including bloody mucus Even normal people will be able to heal on their own. but in immunocompromised patients or in young children It can be severe and can lead to infection in the bloodstream.
3. Toxoplasmosis
It is usually found in the feces of cats. If a cat’s feces have been touched, don’t wash your hands thoroughly before putting food in your mouth. Or the infection from cat feces to contaminate the soil and in the vegetables you eat. May cause people with low immunity to have pneumonia. Enlarged neck lymph node fever or if infected with a pregnant woman during the first 3 months of pregnancy May cause the baby to be infected from the womb resulting in miscarriage. have congenital disabilities Or some people who are infected and show no symptoms at birth. but has symptoms in childhood such as seizures, developmental delays, blindness, etc.
4. Sitacosis
The disease can be transmitted from domesticated birds such as parrots and parakeets. It is caused by a group of bacteria called chlamydia in bird droppings or feathers. and then the person breathes in this germ The symptoms are similar to the flu: high fever, body aches, dry cough, chest pain, pneumonia, etc.
5. Leptospirosis or Letosspirosis
The disease is caused by exposure to rat urine, such as walking in water contaminated with rat urine, causing symptoms such as high fever, calf pain, red eyes, or can be severe to kidney failure, hepatitis, and coughing up blood.
It can be seen that infectious diseases from pets Most often it is caused by contact with infected animals or excrement. Washing hands following touching animals This includes going to the doctor when bitten by an animal or causing a bleeding wound. It is also protective.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nopporn Apiwattanakul
Department of Infectious Diseases Department of Pediatrics
Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University