High rates of potentially infectious exposures between immunocompromised patients and their companion animals: an unmet need for education

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey of 265 adult patients with haematological malignancy, haemoglobinopathy or human immunodeficiency virus was performed to determine the potential risk of infection from animal exposures. One hundred and thirty-seven (52%) owned an animal; the majority were dogs (74%) and cats (39%), but 14% owned birds and 3% reptiles. Eighty percent engaged in behaviour with their animals that potentially put them at risk of zoonotic infections. The most frequent behaviours were picking up animal faeces 72 (52%), cleaning animal areas 69 (50%) and allowing animals to sleep in the same bed 51 (37%). Twenty-eight percent allowed the animal to lick their face. Of all patients, 80 (30%) had been bitten or scratched by an animal. Only 16% of those who owned pets could recall receiving education regarding safe behaviours around animals. These immunocompromised patients are at risk of infection through exposure to pets. Our study highlights the need for increased education of patients regarding how to remain safe around their pets.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in dogs and cats: recommendations for ­owners

“…5,75 Das Ablecken des Gesichts ist im Umgang mit den eigenen Haustieren sehr häufig und wird sogar bei Kindern und bei Immungeschwächten oft akzeptiert. 10,28,63 Humane Infektionen mit multiresistenten Staphylokokken, die vermutlich durch das häufige Ablecken des Gesichts durch den Hund und teilweise im Zusammenhang mit Wunden entstanden sind, sind beschrieben. 10 Das Ablecken des Gesichtes und der Hände durch Tiere mit antibiotikaresistenten Keimen sollte auf jeden Fall unterbunden werden.…”

“…10,63 Auch bei Kindern und bei immunkompromittierten Personen ist dies übliche Praxis. 28 Tiere mit antibiotikaresistenten Keimen sollten möglichst nicht im Schlafzimmer und auf keinen Fall in den Betten der Halter schlafen.…”

Prevention of zoonotic diseases in immunocompromised patients: a neglected question

“…With respect to the effect of zoonotic infections on human health, much information is not available for these vulnerable individuals; there are few recommendations for care for this group of patients. In a scenario where endemic or emerging zoonotic diseases remain a challenge to public health and where the number of immunocompromised patients is progressively increasing, reducing infection risk is one of the main strategies for minimizing the morbidity and mortality associated with zoonotic infections 10 .…”

Infection Prevention in Pediatric Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

“…Pets can be a great source of companionship and comfort to children; however, there are several diseases that can be transmitted by pets to these immunosuppressed hosts [14][15][16]. Certain animals like reptiles, birds, rodents, or other exotic animals that cannot be immunized and could carry unusual human pathogens should not be kept as pets in households with PHO or HSCT patients.…”