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Pets and the immunocompromised person

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Immunocompromised people are often advised to give up their pets to avoid getting various diseases from the pets. This includes people with HIV, kidney failure, alcoholism, cirrhosis, diabetes, cancer, or leukemia. It also includes people who have had a transplant or splenectomy, or who are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or high doses of steroids.

However, many of these patients decide to keep their pet. In this case, the patient and the families must stay aware of the potential risk for diseases that can be passed from animals to humans.

The following guidelines can help immunocompromised pet owners:

• Ask your veterinarian for information on infections that immunocompromised people can get from their pets.
• Keep your pet clean and healthy. Make sure that all vaccinations are up-to-date. If you own a cat, have it tested for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Although these viruses are not transmitted to humans, they do affect the cat's immune system, putting you and your cat at risk for other infections that may be transmitted to humans.
• All new pets should be examined by a veterinarian. If you are considering adopting a pet, you should get a pet that is more than one year old. Kittens and puppies are more likely to scratch and bite, and are more likely to contract infections.
• Keep your pets indoors. If they do go outside, keep them on a leash.
• Have all pets surgically spayed or neutered. Neutered animals are less likely to roam and therefore less likely to contract diseases.
• If your animal has diarrhea, is coughing and sneezing, has decreased appetite, or has lost weight, you should have the animal examined by a veterinarian.
• Feed your pet only commercially prepared food and treats. Animals can contract infections from undercooked or raw meat or eggs. Also, do not let your pet drink from the toilet because several infections can be contracted this way. Cats can contract infections (such as toxoplasmosis) by eating wild animals.
• Wash your hands after handling your pet, especially before you eat, prepare food, or smoke.
• 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, someone besides you should change the litter pan. If you must change the litter, wear rubber gloves and a disposable face mask (similar precautions should be taken when cleaning a bird's cage). Also, the litter should be scooped daily to prevent the risk of toxoplasma infection.
• Keep your pet's nails short or declaw the animal to reduce the risk of infection caused by animal scratches. Cats are capable of transmitting B. henselae, the organism responsible for cat scratch disease.
• Take measures to prevent flea or tick infestations. Several infections are transmitted by fleas and ticks.
• Do not adopt wild or exotic animals. These animals are more likely to bite, and they often carry rare, yet serious diseases.
• Dogs can transmit "kennel cough" to immunocompromised humans. Try to avoid placing your dog in a boarding kennel or other high risk environments.
• Reptiles are carriers of 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.

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.