Zoonotic Diseases
Commonly Associated
With Dogs and Cats
Note: The images in this presentation are for
non-profit, educational use only.
Neil Grove
University of North Carolina –
Chapel Hill
Division of Laboratory Animal
Medicine
What we will cover
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We will attempt to answer the following
questions about each zoonotic disease:
What is it?
How can I get it?
What are the symptoms?
What precautions or preventive measures can be
taken to avoid acquiring it?
What diseases will we cover?
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Toxocara
Sarcoptes
Cheyletiella
Rabies
Ringworm
Toxoplasmosis
Cat Scratch Disease
Capnocytophaga canimorsus
Toxocariasis – What is it?
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Toxocariasis is a
zoonotic infection
caused by the parasitic
roundworms commonly
found in the intestine of
dogs (Toxocara canis) and
cats (T. cati).
In the United States, an
estimated 10,000 cases
of Toxocara infections
occur yearly in humans.
(1)
Prevalence
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A recent national survey of shelters revealed that
almost 36% of dogs nationwide, and 52% of dogs
from southeastern states harbored helminths capable
of causing human disease.
Every year at least 3,000-4,000 serum specimens from
patients with presumptive diagnoses of toxocariasis are
sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), state public health laboratories, or private
laboratories for serodiagnostic confirmation. (2)
How Do I get it?
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The most common Toxocara parasite of concern to
humans is T. canis, which puppies usually contract from
the mother before birth or from her milk.
The larvae mature rapidly in the puppy’s intestines;
when the pup is 3 or 4 weeks old, they begin to
produce large numbers of eggs that contaminate the
environment through the animal’s stool. The eggs soon
develop into infective larvae.(1)
How Do I get it?
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You or your children can
become infected after
accidentally ingesting
(swallowing) infective
Toxocara eggs from larvae
in soil or other
contaminated surfaces.(1)
Eggs are extremely
resistant and can remain
viable for years.
Toxacara eggs
Symptoms
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There are two major forms of
toxocariasis, Ocular larva migrans,
and Visceral larva migrans :
1) Ocular larva migrans (OLM):
An eye disease that can cause
blindness.
OLM occurs when a microscopic
worm enters the eye; it may cause
inflammation and formation of a
scar on the retina. (1)
Elevated granuloma in
toxocariasis
Symptoms
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Each year more than 700
people infected with
Toxocara experience
permanent partial loss of
vision.(1)
Symptoms
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2) Visceral larva migrans (VLM):
Heavier, or repeated Toxocara infections, while rare, can
cause VLM, a disease that causes swelling of the body’s
organs or central nervous system. Symptoms of VLM,
which are caused by the movement of the worms
through the body, include fever, coughing, asthma, or
pneumonia. (1)
Symptoms
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In most cases, Toxocara infections are not
serious, and many people, especially adults
infected by a small number of larvae (immature
worms), may not notice any symptoms. (1)
Symptoms
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The most severe cases
are rare, but are more
likely to occur in young
children, who often play
in dirt, or eat dirt (pica)
contaminated by dog or
cat stool.(1)
Precautions/Prevention
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Have your veterinarian treat
your dogs and cats, especially
young animals, regularly for
worms.
Wash your hands well with
soap and water after playing
with your pets and after
outdoor activities, especially
before you eat. Teach
children to always wash their
hands after playing with dogs
and cats and after playing
outdoors.
Precautions/Prevention
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Do not allow children to play
in areas that are soiled with
pet or other animal stool.
Clean your pet’s living area at
least once a week. Feces
should be either buried or
bagged and disposed of in
the trash.
Teach children that it is
dangerous to eat dirt or soil.
Review Questions
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How do you get toxocariasis?
Answer
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By accidentally ingesting (swallowing) infective
Toxocara eggs from larvae in soil or other
contaminated surfaces.(1)
Question
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What are the two major forms of larval
migrans?
Answer
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Ocular larval migrans and visceral larval migrans
Sarcoptic Mange – What is it?
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Microscopic sarcoptic mange
mites cause sarcoptic mange,
also known as scabies.
Sarcoptic mange mites affect
dogs of all ages, during any
time of the year.
Sarcoptic mange mites are
highly contagious to other
dogs and may be passed by
close contact with infested
animals, bedding, or
grooming tools.(3)
How do I get it?
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People who come in
contact with an infected
dog may acquire the
mite.(3)
Symptoms - Dogs
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Sarcoptic mange mites
burrow through the top
layer of the dog’s skin
and cause intense itching.
(3)
Symptoms - Dogs
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Clinical signs include:
Generalized hair loss
Skin rash
Crusting
Skin infections may
develop secondary to the
intense irritation.(3)
Symptoms - People
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People who come in
close contact with an
infected dog may
develop a rash and
should see their
physician.(3)
Precautions/Prevention
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Look for fleas, ticks, and coat abnormalities any time
you groom your dog.
See your vet if your pet excessively scratches, chews, or
licks its haircoat, or persistently shakes its head. This
may indicate presence of external parasites or other
conditions requiring medical care.
Prompt treatment of parasites lessens your pet’s
discomfort, decreases the chances of disease
trasnmission from parasite to pet, and may reduce the
degree of home infestation.(3)
Precautions/Prevention
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Discuss the health of all family pets with your
vet when one becomes infested. Some parasites
cycle among pets, making control of infestation
difficult unless other pets are considered.
Consult your veterinarian before beginning
treatment.
Tell your vet if you have attempted any parasite
remedies, as this may impact your vet’s
recommendation.(3)
Precautions/Prevention
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Be especially careful when applying insecticides to cats,
as cats are particularly sensitive to these products.
Never use a product that is not approved for cats , as
the result could be lethal.
Follow label instructions carefully.
Leave treatment to the experts. Your vet offers
technical expertise and can assist you in identifying
products that are most likely to effectively and safely
control your pet’s parasite problem. (3)
Review Questions
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Sarcoptic mange is also known as ______.
Answer
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Scabies
Question
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How do people come in contact with the mange
mite?
Answer
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People who come in contact with an infected
dog may acquire the mite.(3)
Cheyletiellosis
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What is it?
Cheyletiellosis is a very contagious dermatosis
caused by relatively large mites living on the skin
surface.
Cheyletiella mites are obligate parasites and have a
life cycle of approximately 3 to 4 wk in total.
They are not host specific and may transfer
readily between dogs, cats, and rabbits. (4)
What is it?
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The disease caused by Cheyletiella mites is often called
'walking dandruff.'
On close observation of an infested dog, cat, or rabbit,
it may be possible to see movement of the dandruff on
the skin.
The movement is caused by the mites motoring around
under the scales.
Cheyletiella mites are found on animals throughout the
United States. They generally do not cause significant
disease. (5)
How do I get it?
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Humans in contact with
pets carrying Cheyletiella
spp. are at risk of
becoming transiently
infested.(4)
Symptoms – Animals
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The mites cause skin irritation, usually along the
back of the animal.
Slight hair loss
Scales (dandruff)
Itching
Possibly some thickening of the skin.
Cats and rabbits may not show any signs of
infestation (5)
Symptoms - Humans
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Uncomfortable, pruritic dermatosis,
characterized by papular lesions that, typically,
appear on the arms, legs, trunk, and buttocks.
Cheyletiella spp. are not capable of reproducing
on humans, so appropriate treatment of the pet
host should prevent further infestation, making
human acaricidal therapy unnecessary. (4)
Precaution/Prevention
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How will I know if my pet has Cheyletiellosis?
Mites may be seen on the animal, especially if
you use a magnifying glass.
Examining dandruff, hairs, or scrapings of the
skin under the microscope can positively identify
the mites.(5)
Precaution/Prevention
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If you suspect that your pet has Cheyletiellosis, seek the advice
of your veterinarian, who will recommend appropriate
treatment.
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The mite can live for several days off the host, so the
environment needs to be cleared of mites as well.
At the same time the animals are treated, the environment may
be fogged or sprayed.
Since the mites only live for several days off the host, it is often
effective to remove the rabbit, dog, or cat from the premises for
several days until the mites die. This would prevent
reinfestation.(5)
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Review Questions
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Another name for the disease caused by
Cheyletiella mites is _________.
Answer
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walking dandruff
Question
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Are Cheyletiella capable of reproducing on
humans?
Answer
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No - Cheyletiella spp. are not capable of
reproducing on humans
Rabies
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What is it?
Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most
often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.
The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks,
bats, and foxes.
Domestic animals account for less than 10% of the
reported rabies cases, with cats, cattle, and dogs most
often reported rabid. (6)
What animals carry rabies?
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Any mammal can get rabies.
The most common wild reservoirs of rabies are
raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes.
Raccoons are the most common carriers in North
Carolina.
Domestic mammals can also get rabies. Cats, cattle, and
dogs are the most frequently reported rabid domestic
animals in the United States.
Your pets and other domestic animals can be infected
when they are bitten by rabid wild animals. (7)
What about rodents?
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Small rodents (such as squirrels, rats, mice, hamsters,
guinea pigs, gerbils, and chipmunks, ) and lagomorphs
(such as rabbits and hares) are almost never found to be
infected with rabies and have not been known to cause
rabies among humans in the United States.
One case of a pet guinea pig was reported
Bites by these animals are usually not considered a risk
of rabies unless the animal was sick or behaving in any
unusual manner and rabies is widespread in your area.
What about rodents?
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However, from 1985 through
1994, woodchucks accounted
for 86% of the 368 cases of
rabies among rodents
reported to CDC. (7)
Over the last 10 years Tufts
Wildlife Clinic has seen a
number of large native wild
rodents (mostly woodchucks,
but also porcupines and
beavers) with neurologic
signs that have tested positive
for rabies.(8)
How do I get it?
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People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid
animal.
It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may
get rabies if infectious material from a rabid
animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their
eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound.(7)
How do I get it?
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Non-bite exposures to rabies are very rare.
Scratches, abrasions, open wounds, or mucous
membranes contaminated with saliva or other
potentially infectious material (such as brain
tissue) from a rabid animal constitute non-bite
exposures. Occasionally reports of non-bite
exposure are such that postexposure prophylaxis
is given.(7)
How do I get it?
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Inhalation of aerosolized rabies virus is also a
potential non-bite route of exposure, but other
than laboratory workers, most people are
unlikely to encounter an aerosol of rabies
virus.(7)
How do I get it?
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Bites from bats can go undetected by a person.
If a dead bat is found in the house or the
bedroom it is a concern for bite and rabies
exposure.
Can it be transmitted person to
person?
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The only well-documented documented cases of
rabies caused by human-to-human transmission
occurred among 8 recipients of transplanted
corneas, and recently among three recipients of
solid organs .
Guidelines for acceptance of suitable cornea
and organ donations, as well as the rarity of
human rabies in the United States, reduce this
risk. (7)
Can it be transmitted person to
person?
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In addition to transmission from cornea and organ transplants,
bite and non-bite exposures inflicted by infected humans could
theoretically transmit rabies, but no such cases have been
documented.
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Casual contact, such as touching a person with rabies or contact
with non-infectious fluid or tissue (urine, blood, feces) does not
constitute an exposure.
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In addition, contact with someone who is receiving rabies
vaccination does not constitute rabies exposure. (7)
Symptoms – Animals
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Animals with rabies may act
differently than healthy animals.
Wild animals may move slowly or
act tame.
Also, some wild animals, like foxes,
raccoons, and skunks, that
normally avoid porcupines, may
receive a face full of quills if they
become rabid and try to bite these
prickly rodents.
A pet that is usually friendly may
snap at you and try to bite.
Symptoms – Animals
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There are two common types of
rabies. One type is "furious" rabies.
Animals with this type are hostile,
may bite at objects, and have an
increase in saliva. In the movies
and in books, rabid animals foam
at the mouth. In real life, rabid
animals look like they have foam in
their mouth because they have
more saliva. (9)
In advanced cases animals also
can’t swallow, causing saliva to pour
out.
Symptoms - Animals
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The second and more
common form is known
as paralytic or "dumb"
rabies. The dogs pictured
have this type. An animal
with "dumb" rabies is
timid and shy. It often
rejects food and has
paralysis of the lower jaw
and muscles.(9)
Symptoms - Animals
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Signs of rabies in animals include:
changes in an animal’s behavior
general sickness
problems swallowing
an increase in drool or saliva
wild animals that appear abnormally tame or sick
animals that may bite at everything if excited
difficulty moving or paralysis
death (9)
Symptoms - People
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In humans, signs and symptoms usually occur 30-90
days after the bite. Once people develop symptoms,
they almost always die. This is why it is very important
to go to your doctor right away if you have been bitten
by an animal that might be rabid.
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Early symptoms of rabies include fever, headache, sore
throat, and feeling tired. As the virus gets to the brain,
the person may act nervous, confused, and upset. (9)
Symptoms - People
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Other symptoms of rabies in humans include:
pain or tingling at the site of the bite
hallucinations hydrophobia ("fear of water" due
to spasms in the throat)
paralysis
As the disease advances, the person enters into a
coma and dies. (9)
Prevention/Precautions
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There is no treatment for rabies after symptoms
of the disease appear.
There is an available rabies vaccine regimen that
provides immunity to rabies when administered
after an exposure (postexposure prophylaxis) or
for protection before an exposure occurs
(preexposure prophylaxis). (10)
Prevention/Precautions
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Preexposure vaccination is recommended for
persons in high-risk groups, such as
veterinarians, animal handlers, and certain
laboratory workers.
Other persons whose activities bring them into
frequent contact with rabies virus or potentially
rabid bats, raccoons, skunks, cats, dogs, or other
species at risk of having rabies should also be
considered for preexposure prophylaxis. (10)
Prevention/Precautions
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What to do after a possible
exposure:
If you are exposed to a
potentially rabid animal, wash
the wound thoroughly with
soap and water, and seek
medical attention
immediately. A health care
provider will care for the
wound and will assess the
risk for rabies exposure. The
following information will
help your health care
provider assess your risk:
Prevention/Precautions
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the geographic location of the incident
the type of animal that was involved
how the exposure occurred (provoked or
unprovoked)
the vaccination status of animal
whether the animal can be safely captured and
tested for rabies
Prevention/Precautions
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Steps taken by the health care practitioner will
depend on the circumstances of the bite.
Your health care practitioner should consult
state or local health departments, veterinarians,
or animal control officers to make an informed
assessment of the incident and to request
assistance.
The important factor is that you seek care
promptly after you are bitten by any animal.(10)
Prevention/Precautions
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What you can do to help prevent the spread of
rabies
Be a responsible pet owner:
Keep vaccinations up-to-date for all dogs, cats and
ferrets. This requirement is important not only to keep
your pets from getting rabies, but also to provide a
barrier of protection to you, if your animal is bitten by
a rabid wild animal.
Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not
come in contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten
by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the
animal immediately. (10)
Prevention/Precautions
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Call your local animal control
agency to remove any stray
animals from your
neighborhood. They may be
unvaccinated and could be
infected by the disease.
Spay or neuter your pets to
help reduce the number of
unwanted pets that may not
be properly cared for or
regularly vaccinated.
Avoid direct contact with
unfamiliar animals:
Prevention/Precautions
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Enjoy wild animals
(raccoons, skunks, foxes)
from afar (including animals
on work grounds). Do not
handle, feed, or
unintentionally attract wild
animals with open garbage
cans or litter.
Never adopt wild animals or
bring them into your home.
Do not try to nurse sick
animals to health. Call animal
control or an animal rescue
agency for assistance. (10)
Prevention/Precautions
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Teach children never to handle unfamiliar
animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear
friendly. "Love your own, leave other animals
alone" is a good principle for children to learn.
Prevent bats from entering living quarters or
occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools,
and other similar areas, where they might come
in contact with people and pets. (10)
Prevention/Precautions
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When traveling abroad, avoid
direct contact with wild
animals and be especially
careful around dogs in
developing countries.
Rabies is common in
developing countries in Asia,
Africa, and Latin America
where dogs are the major
reservoir of rabies. Tens of
thousands of people die of
rabies each year in these
countries. (10)
Prevention/Precautions
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Before traveling abroad,
consult with a health care
provider, travel clinic, or
your health department
about the risk of
exposure to rabies,
preexposure prophylaxis,
and how you should
handle an exposure,
should it arise. (10)
Local Cases
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Rabid fox bites woman
6/30/2005 6:23 PM
By: News 14 Carolina Staff
A fox with rabies attacked and bit a woman in the
Orange Grove community near Hillsborough.
Authorities said the woman was walking her dogs when
a fox started fighting one of them.
The woman used a stick to separate the two.
That's when the fox bit her on the ankle.
(20)
Local Case
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In September 1997, a boy swimming at Jordan Lake State Park
near Raleigh, NC, was attacked and bitten by a rabid beaver. This
incident prompted Park officials to close the swimming areas and
seek assistance from WS. State Park personnel and WS staff
conducted intensive day and night searches and removed several
beaver, one of which tested positive for rabies.
This was the second case of a rabid beaver attacking a person in
the Park. Earlier in the summer, a rabid beaver attempted to
climb into a boat with several fishermen. Rabies in beaver is
extremely unusual: only 14 cases nationwide have been reported
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the past
40 years.
Review Questions

True or False:
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The vast majority of rabies cases occur in
household pets.
Answer
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False - domestic animals account for less than
10% of the reported rabies cases
Question
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True or False
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Wild animals work grounds pose no threat for
carrying rabies, so it is okay to approach them
and pet them.
Answer
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Uhhh…yeah right.
Ringworm
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What is it?
Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus.
Ringworm can affect skin on your body (tinea
corporis), scalp (tinea capitis), groin area (tinea
cruris, also called jock itch), or feet (tinea pedis,
also called athlete's foot).(11)
How do I get it?
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Ringworm is contagious. It
can be passed from one
person to the next by direct
skin-to-skin contact or by
contact with contaminated
items such as combs,
unwashed clothing, and
shower or pool surfaces.
You can also catch ringworm
from pets that carry the
fungus. Cats are common
carriers. (11)
How do I get it?
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Many different kinds of
animals can transmit
ringworm to people.
Ringworm is transmitted
from direct contact with an
infected animal's skin or hair.
Dogs and cats, especially
kittens or puppies, can have
ringworm that can be passed
to people.
Cows, goats, pigs, and horses
can pass ringworm to people
too. (12)
How do I get it?
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The fungi that cause ringworm thrive in warm,
moist areas. Ringworm is more likely when you
have frequent wetness (such as from sweating)
and minor injuries to your skin, scalp, or
nails.(11)
Microsporum canis is the most common type.
Symptoms
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The symptoms of ringworm include:
Itchy, red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and
ooze. The patches often have sharply-defined edges.
They are often redder around the outside with normal
skin tone in the center. This may create the appearance
of a ring. Your skin may also appear unusually dark or
light.
When your scalp or beard is infected, you will have bald
patches.
If nails are infected, they become discolored, thick, and
even crumble. (11)
This child's leg shows a classicalappearing ringworm lesion with
central clearing and a slightly raised
red border. (11)
Symptoms
Ringworm is not seen as frequently in
adults as in children, but when
conditions are conducive to growth,
the fungus can flourish. (11)
This is a picture of
ringworm, tinea manum, on
the finger. This fungal
infection is inflamed and
scaly. (11)
In the scalp, fungal infections often
form circular, scaly, inflamed
patches. (11)
Precautions/Prevention
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To prevent ringworm:
Keep your skin and feet clean and dry.
Shampoo regularly, especially after haircuts.
Do not share clothing, towels, hairbrushes, combs,
headgear, or other personal care items. Such items
should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use.
Wear sandals or shoes at gyms, lockers, and pools.
Avoid touching pets with bald spots. (11)
Review questions

True or False:

Ringworm is a close relative to earthworms.
Answer

False - ringworm is caused by a fungus.
Question

True or False:

Ringworm thrives on dry skin.
Answer

False - Ringworm is more likely when you have
frequent wetness (such as from sweating) and
minor injuries to your skin, scalp, or nails.(11)
Toxoplasmosis
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Toxoplasmosis is caused by a single-celled parasite
called Toxoplasma gondii.
While the parasite is found throughout the world,
more than 60 million people in the United States may
be infected with the Toxoplasma parasite.
Of those who are infected, very few have symptoms
because a healthy person's immune system usually
keeps the parasite from causing illness. (13)
Toxoplasmosis

However, pregnant women and individuals who
have compromised immune systems should be
cautious; for them, a Toxoplasma infection could
cause serious health problems. (13)
How do I get it?

By accidentally swallowing
cat feces from a Toxoplasmainfected cat that is shedding
the organism in its feces.
This might happen if you
were to accidentally touch
your hands to your mouth
after gardening, cleaning a
cat's litter box, or touching
anything that has come into
contact with cat feces. (13)
How do I get it?


Eating contaminated raw
or partly cooked meat,
especially pork, lamb, or
venison; by touching
your hands to your
mouth after handling
undercooked meat. (13)
This is a far more likely
source than the family
cat.
How do I get it?

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Contaminating food with
knives, utensils, cutting
boards and other foods that
have had contact with raw
meat.
Drinking water contaminated
with Toxoplasma.
Receiving an infected organ
transplant or blood
transfusion, though this is
rare. (13)
How do I get it?

An infected pregnant
woman can transmit the
infection to her fetus
(congenital
toxoplasmosis). (14)
Symptoms - Animals
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Cats rarely have
symptoms when first
infected, so most people
do not know if their cat
has been infected.
The infection will go
away on its own;
therefore it does not help
to have your cat or your
cat's feces tested for
Toxoplasma. (13)
Symptoms - People



Symptoms of the infection vary.
Most people who become infected with
Toxoplasma are not aware of it.
Some people who have toxoplasmosis may feel
as if they have the "flu" with swollen lymph
glands or muscle aches and pains that last for a
month or more. (13)
Symptoms

Severe toxoplasmosis, causing damage to the
brain, eyes, or other organs, can develop from an
acute Toxoplasma infection or one that had
occurred earlier in life and is now reactivated.
Severe cases are more likely in individuals who
have weak immune systems, though occasionally,
even persons with healthy immune systems may
experience eye damage from toxoplasmosis. (13)
Symptoms


Most infants who are infected while still in the
womb have no symptoms at birth, but they may
develop symptoms later in life.
A small percentage of infected newborns have
serious eye or brain damage at birth.(13)
Who is at heightened risk?



People who are most likely to develop severe
toxoplasmosis include:
Infants born to mothers who became infected with
Toxoplasma for the first time during or just before
pregnancy.
Persons with severely weakened immune systems, such
as individuals with HIV/AIDS, those taking certain
types of chemotherapy, and those who have recently
received an organ transplant. (13)
Prevention/Precautions


There are several general sanitation and food safety
steps you can take to reduce your chances of becoming
infected with Toxoplasma.
Wear gloves when you garden or do anything outdoors
that involves handling soil. Cats, which may pass the
parasite in their feces, often use gardens and sandboxes
as litter boxes. Wash your hands well with soap and
water after outdoor activities, especially before you eat
or prepare any food. (13)
Prevention/Precautions

When preparing raw meat,
wash any cutting boards,
sinks, knives, and other
utensils that might have
touched the raw meat
thoroughly with soap and hot
water to avoid crosscontaminating other foods.
Wash your hands well with
soap and water after handling
raw meat.
Prevention/Precautions


Cook all meat
thoroughly; that is, to an
internal temperature of
160° F and until it is no
longer pink in the center
or until the juices
become colorless.
Do not taste meat before
it is fully cooked. (13)
Precautions/Prevention for Pregnant
Women



Have someone else change the litter box or wear
disposable gloves if someone else can’t do it and
wash your hands thoroughly with soap and
water afterwards.
Change the litter box daily – the parasite does
not become infected until one to five days after
it is shed in the feces.
Feed your cat commercial dry or canned feed
Precautions/Prevention for Pregnant
Women





Never feed cats raw meat because this can be a
source of toxoplasma infection.
Keep your cat indoors.
Avoid stray cats, especially kittens.
Cover outdoor sandboxes.
Do not get a new cat while you are pregnant.
Precautions/Prevention for Pregnant
Women


Generally if a woman has been infected with
Toxoplasma before becoming infected, the
infant will be infected because the mother is
immune.
Some experts suggest waiting six month after a
recent infection before becoming pregnant.
Once infected with Toxoplasma is my cat
always able to spread the infection to me?



No, cats only spread Toxoplasma in their feces for
a few weeks following infection with the
parasite.
Like humans, cats rarely have symptoms when
first infected, so most people do not know if
their cat has been infected.
The infection will go away on its own; therefore
it does not help to have your cat or your cat's
feces tested for Toxoplasma.
Review Questions

True or false:

Most people with toxoplasmosis exhibit no
clinical signs of having it.
Answer

True
Review Question

Are there any groups of people who are at
heightened risk of suffering from harmful
symptoms of toxoplasmosis?
Answer

Yes – previously uninfected pregnant women
and individuals who have compromised immune
systems should be cautious; for them, a
Toxoplasma infection could cause serious health
problems. (13)
Cat Scratch Disease

What is it?

Cat scratch disease
(CSD) is a bacterial
disease caused by
Bartonella henselae. (15)
How do I get it?

Most people with CSD
have been bitten or
scratched by a cat. (15)
Prevalence and Symptoms in Cats



Kittens are more likely to be
infected and to pass the
bacterium to people.
About 40% of cats carry B.
henselae at some time in their
lives.
Cats that carry B. henselae do
not show any signs of illness;
therefore, you cannot tell
which cats can spread the
disease to you. (15)
Symptoms - People



Mild infection at the point of injury
Lymph nodes, especially those around the head,
neck, and upper limbs, become swollen.
Fever, headache, fatigue, and a poor appetite.
Symptoms

Rare complications of B.
henselae infection are
bacillary angiomatosis
(reddish elevated lesions
often surrounded by a
scaly ring) and Parinaud's
oculolandular syndrome.
(15)
bacillary angiomatosis
Heightened Risk

People with immunocompromised conditions,
such as those undergoing immunosuppressive
treatments for cancer, organ transplant patients,
and people with HIV/AIDS, are more likely
than others to have complications of CSD. (15)
Prevention/Precautions





Avoid "rough play" with cats, especially kittens. This includes any
activity that may lead to cat scratches and bites.
Wash cat bites and scratches immediately and thoroughly with
running water and soap.
Do not allow cats to lick open wounds that you may have.
Control fleas.
If you develop an infection (with pus and pronounced swelling)
where you were scratched or bitten by a cat or develop
symptoms, including fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and
fatigue, contact your physician. (15)
Case Report


In July 2000, a boy aged 5 years was admitted to a local
hospital after having fever (with temperature reaching
104° F [40°C]) for 12 days and left upper quadrant pain
for 8 days. Except for fever and inflamed tympanic
membranes, the physical examination was
unremarkable.
The child had sustained a scratch from a kitten 2
months before onset of illness. His serologic titer for B.
henselae obtained on day 14 of illness was 1:4096. (16)
Review Questions

True or False:

Kittens are more likely to be infected and to
pass the Cat Scratch Disease to people.
Answer

True
Question

People with ________conditions, such as those
undergoing treatments for cancer, organ
transplant patients, and people with HIV/AIDS,
are more likely than others to have
complications of CSD. (15
Answer

immunosuppressed
Capnocytophaga canimorsus Sepsis
(previously referred to as Dysgonic fermenter 2 infection)

What is it?

Dysgonic fermenter-2 is
a fastidious, gramnegative, opportunistic
pathogen that can cause
multiorgan disease in
human beings.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus
What is it?


The first case of DF-2 infection was reported in
1976, when the organism was isolated from the
blood and CSF of a patient who had been bitten
by 2 dogs.
Dysgonic fermenter-2 is an organism of low
virulence, usually causing serious illness only in
people with impaired defense mechanisms
against infection.(17)
How do I get it?


In one study, DF-2 was isolated from the
oronasal fluids of 8% of clinically normal dogs.
The organism has been recovered from the oral
cavity of dogs and cats that bit persons who
later developed DF-2 infection. (17)
How do I get it?



Most human patients with
DF-2 infection report a
history of a recent dog bite.
Many of the remaining
patients mention a history of
animal exposure. (17)
In most (77%) cases,
infection is preceded by a
bite or other exposure to
dogs. (18)
Symptoms


Dysgonic fermenter-2 is an organism of low
virulence for people with intact defense
mechanisms
In most instances, dog and cat bites cause DF-2
infection only in people in high-risk groups. (17)
Symptoms

The severity of clinical
symptoms in DF-2
infections varies from
signs of fulminant
postsplenectomy sepsis,
to a milder disease in
patients with intact
spleens,in which fever
and cellulitis are the most
common signs. (17)
Cellulitis
Symptoms

Localizing signs in severely affected patients
include endocarditis, purulent meningitis, and
septic arthritis. Symmetric peripheral gangrene
may develop, and a necrotizing eschar may form
at the bite site.(17)
Heightened Risk

Most fatal infections have occurred in persons
with a history of asplenia, alcoholism, or
hematologic malignancy. (18)
Prevention/Precautions


People in high-risk groups, especially asplenic
individuals, should be aware of the dangers of
being bitten by dogs and cats and should seek
prompt medical attention if bitten.
Asplenic people should consider wearing a
bracelet to inform health care personnel of their
condition in case of emergency.(17)
Prevention/Precautions


One author has recommended that "given the
frequency with which DF-2 is found in the oral
microflora of dogs and cats, asplenic individuals
should be advised not to keep dogs and cats as
pets."
Although this advice may be controversial, it
would be prudent for asplenic individuals to
minimize the chances for dog or cat bites at
work or at home. (17)
Review Questions

True or False:

Capnocytophaga canimorsus Sepsis causes
severe illness in virtually anyone who is infected
with it.
Answer

False – it usually causes serious illness only in
people with impaired defense mechanisms
against infection.
Question

True or false – Alcoholism is a risk factor in
developing serious illness relating to
Capnocytophaga canimorsus Sepsis.
Answer

True
References













1. CDC. Toxocariasis Fact Sheet. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/toxocara/factsht_toxocara.htm
2. CDC. Guidelines for Veterinarians: Prevention of Zoonotic Transmission of Ascarids and Hookworms of
Dogs and Cats. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/ascaris/prevention.htm
3. American Veterinary Medical Association. What You Should Know About External Parasites – Caring For
Animals (Pamphlet). 2/04.
4. Chailleux, Paradis. Efficacy of selamectin in the treatment of naturally acquired cheyletiellosis in
cats. http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=339606
5. Holly Nash, DVM, MS Cheyletiella yasguri, C. blakei (Rabbit Fur Mite)
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=725
6. CDC. About Rabies. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/introduction/intro.htm
7. CDC. Rabies Questions and Answers.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/ques&ans/q&a.htm#How%20do%20people%20get%20rabies
8. Porkas, Mark, DVM. Pro-med mail post. November 30, 2004.
9. CDC. Rabies for Kids. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/kidsrabies/
10. CDC. Rabies Prevention and Control.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/Prevention&Control/preventi.htm
11. Medline Plus. Ringworm. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001439.htm
12. CDC. Ringworm and Animals. http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/ringworm.htm
13. CDC. Toxoplasmosis Fact Sheet.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/toxoplasmosis/factsht_toxoplasmosis.htm
References







14. Medline. Toxoplasmosis. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000637.htm
15. CDC. Cat Scratch Disease. http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/catscratch.htm
16. CDC. Morbidity and Mortality Monthly Report. Cat-Scratch Disease in Children – Texas, September
2000-August 2001. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5110a4.htm
17. August, John R. Dysgonic fermenter -2 infections. JAVMA, Vol 193, December 15, 1988.
18. CDC. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Capnocytophaga canimorsus Sepsis Misdiagnosed as
Plague – New Mexico , 1992.
19. USDA. Protection of Human Health and Safety. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/wshl97/health.html.
20. http://rdu.news14.com/content/your_news/durhamchapel_hill/?ArID=71561&SecID=42
Disclaimer


This presentation was created while I was an
employee of Priority One Services (POS) at the
National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences (NIEHS). Thus, both organizations
deserve credit for supporting the work.
However, opinions expressed in this
presentation are mine and do not necessarily
reflect those of POS, NIEHS, or UNC DLAM.