Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Campylobacter bacteria found in cats and dogs in South Australia
By Baker, J et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·1999·School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Campylobacter species in cats and dogs in South Australia.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study in South Australia found that some dogs and cats carry Campylobacter bacteria, which can cause gastrointestinal infections in humans. About 34% of dogs had Campylobacter upsaliensis, while 11% of cats tested positive for the same bacteria. The research indicated that factors like crowded living conditions and open drains increased the likelihood of pets carrying these bacteria. This means that pet owners should be aware of the potential for their pets to harbor these germs, especially in certain environments. Keeping pets healthy and maintaining good hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection.
People also search for: dog Campylobacter infection symptoms · cat diarrhea treatment · how to prevent pet infections
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Campylobacter enteritis was the most frequently notified infectious disease in Australia in 1996 and Campylobacter species have been associated with extra-intestinal infections such as purulent arthritis and Guillian-Barré syndrome. Dogs and cats are known to carry campylobacteria and contact with household pets have been implicated as possible sources of human infection. OBJECTIVE: To provide information on the species of campylobacter carried by cats and dogs in South Australia. METHODS: Faecal samples were collected from stray and owned cats and dogs and feral cats. Campylobacter-like organisms were isolated using selective media and filtration methods. They were then characterised by biochemical tests, antibiotic resistance and growth patterns under various conditions. Husbandry factors that could have influenced the carriage rates were examined both as single variables and in a multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Campylobacter upsaliensis and C jejuni were found in 11% and 4% of cats, respectively, whereas 34% dogs carried C upsaliensis, 7% C jejuni and 2% C coli. Intensive housing and open drains were found to be significant risk factors and increased the carriage rate by 2 and 2.6 times, respectively. CONCLUSION: Dogs and cats are a potential reservoir for human enteric infections with campylobacters.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10590795/