Contact with animals in pediatric oncohematologic patients is associated with many benefits, but the risk of contracting zoonoses, even if low, must be considered by clinicians. In order to assess the awareness about this topic, we surveyed the Italian pediatric oncohematology centers, which resulted in heterogeneous responses. The Infectious Diseases Working Group and the Nurse Working Group of the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, together with veterinarians from the National Federation of Italian Veterinarians, drew up a consensus document to unify the indications to be given to families with the aim of guaranteeing a safe interaction between patients and animals and improving the collaboration of clinicians with veterinarians and families.

Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the CHS1/LYST gene, encoding for LYST protein, involved in lysosomal trafficking. It is characterized by recurrent bacterial infections, oculocutaneous albinism, silver hair, haematological and neurological alterations and a possible evolution towards the socalled accelerated phase (haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis). It is classified in a classic form, with infantile onset, lethal if bone marrow transplantation is not promptly performed, and in an atypical form, with adolescent/adult onset, for which a more conservative approach may be possible. The paper describes a case of hypertrophic-hyperplastic gingivopathy associated with leuko-neutropenia. The evaluation of the bone marrow smear raised the suspicion of CHS and the analysis of the clinical history highlighted the presence of suggestive criteria for atypical CHS. The genetic investigation confirmed the diagnosis.

Contact with animals in oncohaematological children is associated with many benefits, but the risk of contracting zoonosis, even if low, must be taken into consideration. To evaluate awareness on this topic a survey between the Italian paediatric oncohaematology centres was conducted, resulting in heterogeneous responses. The working group of infections and support therapies, the working group of the Italian Association of Paediatric Oncohaematology and the veterinarians of the Italian Veterinary National Federation have drawn up a consent document to unify the indications to be provided to families, with the aim of guaranteeing a safe interaction between patients and animals and improving the collaboration of clinicians with veterinarians and families.

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