The zoonotic risks of sleeping with pets

Abstract

Background: Pets are more and more becoming a part of the family and the interactions between pets and their owners are changing. This results in extended and more intimate contact of owners with pets, which could lead to higher zoonotic risks. This study investigated these risks and their prevalences. Methods: A group of 28 healthy dogs and 22 healthy cats were monitored for the presence of the parasites Cheyletiella, Ctenocephalides spp., and Toxocara spp., the dermatophyte Microsporum canis, and the bacteria Clostridium difficile, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni and Enterobacteriaceae. The presence of these pathogens was investigated using samples from the fur, footpads and the animal bed. The Aerobic Colony Count of the fur was also determined. The owners filled in a questionnaire with questions regarding their own health, the health of their pets, the location were the pet was allowed to sleep, the diet and parasite control. Results: In total 29 pets (58%) were sleeping on the bed and 15 pets (30%) in the bed (under the blankets). A total of 19 dogs (68%) and 7 cats (32%) were tested positive for Enterobacteriaceae on the fur or footpads. Fleas were found on 7 pets (14%). High levels of aerobic colonies were found, up to 216 colony forming units/cm2. Other pathogens were not found in this study. Conclusions: This study, as well as the literature on this subject, indicates that pets play an important risk in the transmission of different pathogens to the owner. Therefore, owners should be informed about these risks to interact with their pets in a more responsible way.