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Pets and the immunocompromised person

Alternative Names

AIDS patients and pets; Bone marrow transplant patients and pets; Chemotherapy patients and pets

Information

Persons with weakened immune systems are often advised to give up their pets to avoid getting various diseases from the animals. Persons in this category include those who take high doses of steroids and others who have:

  • Alcoholism
  • Cancer, including lymphoma and leukemia (mostly during treatment)
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Had an organ transplant
  • Had their spleen removed
  • HIV or AIDs

However, many patients decide to keep their pets. Therefore, the patient and their family must be aware of the potential risk for diseases that can be passed from animals to humans.

  • Ask your veterinarian for information on infections that you might get from your pets.
  • Have your veterinarian examine all your pets.
  • Keep your pet clean and healthy. Make sure that all vaccinations are up to date.
  • If you are considering adopting a pet, you should get a pet that is more than 1 year old. Kittens and puppies are more likely to scratch and bite and are more likely to contract infections.
  • Have all pets surgically spayed or neutered. Neutered animals are less likely to roam and therefore less likely to contract diseases.
  • Bring your pet to a veterinarian if the animal has diarrhea, is coughing and sneezing, has decreased appetite, or has lost weight.

Tips if you have a dog or cat:

  • If you own a cat, have it tested for the feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses. Although these viruses do not spread to humans, they do affect the cat's immune system, putting your cat at risk for other infections that may be spread to humans.
  • Feed your pet only commercially prepared food and treats. Animals can get sick from undercooked or raw meat or eggs. Cats can get infections, such as toxoplasmosis, by eating wild animals.
  • Do not let your pet drink from the toilet. Several infections can be spread this way.
  • Wash your hands after handling your pet or a litter box, especially before you eat, prepare food, take medications, or smoke.
  • Keep your pet's nails short, or declaw the animal to reduce the risk of infection caused by animal scratches. Cats can spread Bartonella henselae, the organism responsible for cat scratch disease.
  • Take measures to prevent flea or tick infestations, as several bacterial and viral infections are spread by fleas and ticks. Dogs and cats can use flea collars. Permethrin-treated bedding can decrease risk of flea and tick infestations.
  • Dogs can spread "kennel cough" to persons with weakened immune systems. If possible, do not place your dog in a boarding kennel or other high risk environment.

If you have a cat litter box:

  • Keep your cat's litter box away from eating areas. Use disposable pan liners so that the entire pan can be cleaned with each litter change.
  •  If possible, have someone else change the litter pan. If you must change the litter, wear rubber gloves and a disposable face mask.
  • The litter should be scooped daily to prevent the risk of toxoplasmosis infection. Similar precautions should be taken when cleaning a bird's cage.

Other important tips:

  • Do not adopt wild or exotic animals. These animals are more likely to bite, and they often carry rare but serious diseases.
  • Reptiles carry a type of bacteria called salmonella. If you own a reptile, wear gloves when handling the animal or its feces because salmonella is easily passed from animal to human.
  • Wear rubber gloves when handling or cleaning fish tanks.

For more information on pet-related infections, contact your local veterinarian or the Humane Society in your area.

Review Date: 12/6/2011
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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