Zooanthroponoses diseases that can be contracted from a cat - anthroponoses diseases

Not everyone is contagious, but you need to know about 9 of them and not miss them!

Diseases that affect animals and can spread to humans are known as zoonotic

. The word zoonotic is used to describe any disease that spreads from animals to humans.

The most famous and dangerous example of a zoonotic disease is rabies.

. Other zoonotic diseases found in cats include:

• Toxoplasmosis.
• Lichen.
• Salmonellosis.
• Campylobacter infection.
• Giardiasis.
• Cryptosporidium infection.
• Roundworms.
• Rabies.
• Cat disease.

How are cats treated?

It is foolish to believe that cats can completely cure any disease. It is even more stupid to believe that any cat can become a salvation for every person. Of course, the most important thing in such therapy is absolute favor towards the animal and disposition to the “session”. The cat must also sense the source of the pain. It has been scientifically proven that a cat has a powerful energy field, which it prefers to feed exclusively with negative energy, the clot of which is a sore spot in the human body. In addition, when a patient interacts with cat hair, an electrostatic field of sufficient power is created to normalize the activity of the nervous system, normalize bleeding and blood pressure. A cat's purring is also healing - it not only has a calming and relaxing effect, but also enhances the body's protective properties, helps to restore and strengthen the immune system. A very interesting scientifically based discovery was the fact that a cat’s purring promotes the healing of wounds and the healing of fractures. The cat’s body temperature (38-39°C) also promotes recovery - the “warm fluffy ball” can have an anti-inflammatory and warming effect.

Today, cat therapy seems to be not so far-fetched. Felinotherapy (as the process of cat healing is called in science) can deservedly be recognized as a type of alternative medicine. Of course, this approach must be combined with traditional methods of treatment. It is necessary to understand that in case of any illness, having a pet is not enough; it is important to always give your love to the one you have tamed, and use his gratitude to the benefit of your body.

Toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a single-celled parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, which can only reproduce in the cells that line the intestines of cats. Although most pets can transmit this disease, only cats shed the eggs that cause this infection.

Cats contract this infection by eating rodents or insects or by coming into contact with other infected cats or their feces.

Toxoplasmosis is transmitted to humans when they do not wash their hands after handling cat feces, gardening, or cleaning cat litter boxes. Children can pick up the pathogen while playing in sandboxes. It can also be spread by eating unwashed fruits and vegetables grown in soil contaminated with cat feces.

Eating raw or undercooked meat can also introduce the parasite into the body.

Toxoplasmosis is most dangerous for a pregnant woman, who can transmit this infection to her fetus through the placenta. It can lead to miscarriage or the birth of a child with congenital toxoplasmosis, which is life-threatening for the baby. If the baby survives, he may suffer from blindness, jaundice, seizures and severe mental retardation.

In infants, mild symptoms may appear soon after birth, but most often appear years later. Symptoms vary depending on the type of toxoplasmosis a person has been infected with.

Possible symptoms include fever, a general feeling of malaise, and swollen lymph nodes. If a person's immune system has been compromised in some way (for example, diagnosed with AIDS), toxoplasmosis can cause life-threatening brain infections.

The presence of antibodies against the parasite can be determined by a blood test. This is the most commonly used method to determine whether a person has toxoplasmosis. In case of immunocompromised patients, the doctor may choose CT scan with CT scan or MRI to make the diagnosis.

In general, the prognosis for people who acquire toxoplasmosis after birth is good. Most people who have a well-functioning immune system do not need treatment and the disease goes away on its own. There are special medications for pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems.

There is no vaccine against toxoplasmosis, and prevention consists of reducing the risk of encountering the parasite. Pregnant women should not handle cat droppings. Other people should only clean sandboxes using plastic gloves and then wash their hands with hot water and disinfectant soap.

Children's sandboxes must be covered. Vegetables should be washed properly. After handling raw meat, hands are thoroughly washed, and the meat itself must be thoroughly fried. When working in the garden, you should wear gloves and wash your hands with soap.

Parasitic zooanthroponoses. Part 4

Well, we have come to an acquaintance with parasitic zooanthroponoses. Now you will know everything that can threaten you after contact with animals.

Scabies

Extremely contagious. And you can pick it up not only from another person, but also from animals (including cats and dogs). It is enough just to pet the infected pet, and that’s it – scabies is guaranteed. The problem is that the pathogen cannot be detected with armed eyes; moreover, it “hides” inside the skin. You can recover, but it’s not very pleasant. The itching is incredible. Therefore, it is necessary to observe safety precautions when interacting with animals. Do you ride horses? There are often parasites on their harness. You can infect an entire stable in the same way. Animals “catch” parasites from each other very quickly. Playing together, sleeping in one place, sharing care items.

Balantidiasis

It can only be compared with dysentery. The parasite “settles” in the large intestine. Infection mainly occurs from pigs.

Babesiosis

Known as piroplasmosis. However, this is not the only disease caused by Babesia, which is transmitted by ticks. As soon as the cutaneous parasite attaches itself, it “injects” its secretion containing Babesia. These protozoa “invade” red blood cells and destroy them. Since the tick sucks blood, it again “draws” pathogens into itself. This is how infection of one animal from another occurs. If you are walking with your dog in the forest, and a tick that already contains Babesia is attached to it, then there is a high risk that not only the dog, but also all family members will get sick (if the skin parasite “moves” from the pet to you and other family members).

Trichinosis

It is dangerous because the causative agent of the disease is not in the intestines, but in the muscles. You won't find it that easily. This requires trichinoscopy (pig muscle fibers taken from various parts of the carcass are examined under a microscope). If at least one “individual” is found, the carcass is removed completely, along with offal. This kind of pork is not edible. This is why you cannot buy meat that has not passed veterinary inspection. If there is no veterinary certificate and the corresponding stamp on the carcass itself, it is better to refuse the purchase. And if you are offered wild boar meat, then do not eat it without trichinoscopy. A lot of cases of human disease have been registered in rural areas, when they “beat” their pigs or wild boars, eat fresh meat, or simply freeze a cut up untested carcass for the future. Frost in the freezer will not destroy the trichinella larva, nor will cooking. Dogs and cats become infected in the same way: they eat meat from an infected pig.

Ringworm.

Ringworm is a skin disease caused by a fungus. It is also known as dermatophytosis. Ringworm is an infection in the dead layer of skin, hair and nails. It can easily be transmitted from pets to people. Children are very susceptible to this infection.

Ringworm can be caused by several types of fungi, and they typically get their name from their location on the body, such as athlete's foot. Trichophyton and epidermophyton are fungi that can grow in warm, moist areas of the body, such as the groin or between the toes.

The most common sign of ringworm is a painful rash. Sometimes the rash peels off and may even form blisters. Ringworm usually appears on the legs, groin, scalp, and nails. There is also a form called body ringworm, which can develop anywhere.

Most of these infections can be treated with antifungal creams. It is important to follow the instructions carefully as they may recur if treatment ends too early. Decontamination and drying of infected areas is important. It is also important to treat cats and dogs.

Flu

In 2009, a cat became infected with the pandemic H1N1 strain from its owner and, while he was in the hospital in serious condition, died of pneumonia (a complication of the flu). Several other cases of H1N1 transmission from humans to dogs, cats and ferrets have been reported. Symptoms of influenza in animals are similar to those in humans: acute respiratory infections, loss of appetite and, in rare cases, death.

Serological studies have shown that the susceptibility of pets to the influenza virus is higher than previously thought.

3. Salmonella.

Salmonella bacteria are found in the intestines and feces of people and animals, as well as in many foods, especially raw meat. Salmonella can cause food poisoning, symptoms of which are diarrhea and vomiting.

People can become infected with salmonella through direct contact with their pets or their feces. It is important to wash your hands well with soap and water after touching pets or cleaning their litter box.

Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include headache, fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Signs of the disease disappear on their own and do not require special treatment. Children and elderly people, as well as patients with reduced immunity, require qualified medical care.

To avoid salmonella contamination from cats, it is recommended that you use caution when handling feces in litter trays. It is better to wear gloves and be sure to wash your hands.

Aujeszky's disease

A dangerous disease is Aujeszky's disease, transmitted from cats to people. It is characterized by damage to the central nervous system and skin. Pets may exhibit the following signs :

• Increased salivation;
• Coordination problems;
• Unreasonable aggression;
• Severe itching.

The disease in cats progresses quickly and can be fatal.

Animals can become infected by consuming infected meat, and pets can infect their owners through airborne droplets. In humans, the disease manifests itself in the form of itching of the skin and fever.

To avoid the development of Aujeszky's disease, it is necessary to monitor your pet's diet and give it only high-quality products.

Campylobacter infection.

This opportunistic bacterium causes intestinal infections and is easily transmitted from cats to humans. These bacteria also live in meat and poultry, untreated water and unpasteurized milk, so animal feces are not the only source of this infection.

Symptoms of this infection include abdominal cramps and pain, high fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea and vomiting. All of this can lead to severe dehydration.

Typically, no special treatment is required. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. But this is another reason to avoid direct contact with feces from cats (and other animals). It is important to clean children's sandboxes regularly, wearing gloves when doing so.

5-6. Giardiasis and cryptosporidium.

These parasites, called protozoa, can cause intestinal diseases. Cats can be infected with these parasites without showing any symptoms. Direct contact with pets can lead to infection in humans.

Symptoms of intestinal diseases include watery diarrhea and cramps. Again, for most people the symptoms go away on their own after two or three days, but for people who have problems with the immune system, this infection can be fatal.

Children should be taught to wash their hands after playing with pets, as direct contact is the most common way these parasites are acquired in humans.

Intestinal worm or roundworms.

The type of intestinal worm found in cats is called Toxocara cati and can infect humans. This is a common occurrence, especially in developing countries where there is poor sanitation and access to drinking water is limited. Roundworms are cylindrical in shape and can be short or long.

Infection occurs in the manner described above. Eggs are present in the feces of a sick animal or person and enter the body through dirty hands. The eggs incubate in the intestines, releasing larvae that can burrow into the intestinal wall, into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.

Symptoms vary depending on the person's age, intensity of exposure, and sensitivity to the larvae. They are varied and include pneumonia, cough, fever, rash and liver enlargement.

The symptoms described above may indicate the presence of roundworms. A high white blood cell count is another warning sign. If in doubt, a liver biopsy can reveal the presence of intestinal worm larvae.

Cats need to be given deworming medications. People infected with intestinal worms usually clear the parasite without treatment within 6 to 18 months. Mebendazole will help much faster.

Cat diseases that are deadly to humans

Not only yard cats, but also domestic couch potatoes can be a source of serious illness. If the disease is not detected in time and adequate therapy is not started, then not only the cat, but also the people around it can suffer.

Rabies

This pathology is of viral origin and affects the nervous system of a mammal. Rabies is most often recorded in whiskers walking on the street, but it can also appear in a completely indoor cat.

Infection occurs from contact with the saliva of infected individuals: sick rodents, foxes, infected relatives. Rabies in animals cannot be cured, so the infected patient always dies.

The main symptoms of a fatal disease:

• aggressive or overly affectionate behavior;
• fear of light and water;
• profuse drooling;
• convulsions;
• paralysis;
• gait disturbances.

If the owner or members of his family are bitten by a rabid pet, they must immediately go to the hospital. The doctor prescribes the administration of anti-rabies serum for 3 days. If treatment is not started on time, the person will die. Only regular vaccination will help prevent the mustache from becoming infected.

Chlamydia

Another dangerous disease that is transmitted by airborne droplets is chlamydia (another type, not the one that is human and sexually transmitted). It occurs when a mustachioed friend eats a sick mouse or rat. Death in the absence of proper treatment occurs within a few days.

Signs of chlamydia:

• purulent discharge from the eyes;
• lethargy;
• lack of appetite;
• cough and hoarseness;
• runny nose, sometimes with pus.

In humans, the symptoms of feline chlamydia manifest themselves in an acute form of pneumonia. After making a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a course of antimicrobial drugs. In advanced cases, urgent hospitalization is necessary. Lack of proper therapy leads to tragic consequences, including death.

Tuberculosis

The appearance of tuberculosis is caused by an infection called Koch's bacillus. It can be found in raw milk or meat. Another source is contact with an infected person. Almost every case of tuberculosis in a four-legged patient ends in death.

Symptoms include:

• sneezing and coughing;
• lethargy and apathy;
• disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract;
• the appearance of nodules on the head and neck.

A person's respiratory system is damaged and the immune system malfunctions. The owner and family members are exposed to tuberculosis if the rules of personal hygiene are neglected. Early diagnosis and treatment provide a good chance of recovery.

Leptospirosis

This is a disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms called Leptospira. They affect most of the pet’s internal organs: liver, kidneys, eyes, reproductive organs, central nervous system. Infection occurs from a sick individual as a result of direct or indirect contact.

The main manifestations of leptospirosis are:

• fever;
• trembling and muscle pain;
• apathy and lack of appetite;
• refusal to drink and further dehydration of the body;
• bloody diarrhea;
• swelling of the mucous membranes.

In humans, the manifestation of signs of infection is similar to the development of a respiratory disease. Sometimes yellowing of the eyeball is observed. The success of treating infected people depends on the speed of visiting a doctor, making a diagnosis and prescribing drug therapy. Deaths occur, but are rare.

Salmonellosis

Most often, kittens and young animals up to one and a half years old suffer from salmonellosis. The infection enters the body as a result of eating foods containing salmonella. It can be raw eggs, fish, milk. Without immediate medical assistance, the animal dies, mainly from dehydration.

Signs of salmonellosis:

• copious amounts of saliva;
• heat;
• pus in the eyes and nose;
• diarrhea;
• lack of appetite and weakness;
• frequent vomiting;
• breathing problems.

Salmonellosis is transmitted through close contact with an infected individual and leads to severe intoxication in humans. Without obtaining the necessary medications, death is possible. The best way to avoid salmonella is to eat only processed foods.

Rabies.

This virus is spread primarily through bites and contaminated saliva, and affects the brain and spinal cord. This disease, although more common in dogs, can also be spread when rabid cats bite people. Rabies is fatal to animals and people, so the bite should be treated as a medical emergency.

Symptoms of rabies can take anywhere from 20 to 60 days to appear. They vary from person to person, but one in five people experience progressive paralysis. Symptoms are often flu-like: sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. Depression, anxiety and insomnia are also considered to be some of the associated symptoms of rabies.

Uncontrollable drooling, agitation and aggression are the next phase, followed by throat spasms and damage to the vocal cords. This happens because rabies affects the area of ​​the brain responsible for breathing and swallowing. Trying to drink water can also trigger these painful cramps.

It is not easy to diagnose rabies in the early stages, especially if the doctor was not warned about the animal bite. Its symptoms may seem like those of many other diseases. To diagnose rabies, you need to examine the brain tissue of the animal that bit the person.

The animal must be observed by a veterinarian for ten days to determine whether it became infected with rabies through the bite. Viral tests are not effective, but both a skin biopsy and a blood biopsy can detect the virus. In the case of a blood test, this will only help diagnose the condition once severe symptoms occur.

You can vaccinate people against rabies. People who may come into contact with infected animals at work are usually vaccinated. The vaccine must be given every two years.

Immediate preventive measures should be taken immediately after the bite. It is necessary to wash the bite area with hot water and disinfectant. The rabies vaccine and tetanus injection should also be given immediately after the bite.

Before the advent of the vaccine, death occurred between 3 and 10 days and was usually caused by paralysis, asphyxia, convulsions, or exhaustion. People still die from rabies unless diagnosed and treated.

The best way to prevent rabies is to treat any animal bites as a medical emergency. To save life, it is very important to receive timely treatment.

How to protect your pet from diseases

It is not difficult to prevent the transmission and development of ailments dangerous to people. Proper care, a balanced diet and regular visits to the veterinary clinic will help protect your furry pet and the people living with it.

Annual vaccination

Timely vaccination can relieve many problems and strengthen the immunity of your four-legged friend. Mandatory vaccinations include annual rabies vaccinations, as well as vaccinations against the most common viral pathologies. The introduction of some drugs is not an absolute guarantee against infection, but in any case it stimulates the strengthening of the immune system.

Flea treatment

Veterinary pharmacies and pet stores offer a large selection of remedies for external parasites. They are produced in the form of shampoos, lotions, sprays, drops on the withers and collars. Treatment of mustaches should be carried out at least twice a year. Cats that walk outside can be treated as needed - up to once a month.

Regular deworming

Treatment for worms must be carried out in a timely manner. On average, deworming is performed at least once a quarter. This will help prevent intestinal parasites from entering the cat and preventing infection of the people around him. To carry out the procedure, it is enough to use special tablets or suspensions and give them strictly according to the instructions.

Animal blood donation

Regular visits to the veterinarian are important. It is better to do this at least once a year, even if your four-legged friend looks completely healthy. After examining the patient and talking with the owner, the veterinarian takes the cat's blood for analysis. The study will help identify possible hidden problems and quickly begin to treat them.

Bartonellosis in cats.

Bartonellosis is caused by several bacteria of the Bartonella family. A specific microorganism that is transmitted from cats to humans through bites or scratches is called Bartonella henselae. Therefore, bartonellosis is commonly referred to as "cat disease" or "cat scratch fever."

This infection is often carried by kittens, whose claws are particularly sharp. This type of bacteria infects the walls of blood vessels in humans, while cats show no symptoms.

A red bubble appears near the scratch, sometimes up to 4 cm in diameter. Enlarged lymph nodes, fever and headaches are noted. Some patients also experienced a decrease in appetite.

For most people, these symptoms disappear, but this may take two to five months. Antibodies against the bacteria that cause this infection can be detected by a blood test. Analgesics, lymph node drainage, and sometimes antibiotics are all ways to combat this condition. Most people make a full recovery.

The easiest way to prevent it is to prevent your cat from scratching you. Indoor cats should have their nails trimmed. If the cat does scratch, it is recommended to immediately wash the affected area with hot water and soap/disinfectant.

What do cats treat?

Naturally, it is impossible to force a cat to heal anything. You can’t force a cat to do anything at all, after all, it “walks on its own,” and you can only rely on the fact that the animal itself will sense the disease approaching you. And cats usually feel and heal:

• oncological diseases;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as more serious psychological disorders, including even schizophrenia;
• headache;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys;
• depression and neuroses;
• various types of addiction (alcohol, nicotine, drugs);
• diseases of the respiratory system;
• gynecological diseases;
• hypertension and hypotension;
• toothaches;
• neuralgia;
• radiculitis and various joint inflammations.

An interesting observation has long been the fact that each cat can have its own specialization. They can be summarized as follows:

• female animals are better at treating diseases of nervous origin, and cats are more successful in treating arthrosis and radiculitis;
• short-haired or hairless cats can alleviate diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys, and fluffy ones will be irreplaceable if you have insomnia or depression;
• the Siamese are rightly recognized as healers of respiratory and cold diseases, and the British - of heart diseases;
• it has been noticed that black cats have more powerful energy and the effect of their “treatment” is more pronounced;
• cats of “broad specialization” are considered to be yard cats - outbred cats picked up on the street are either so grateful to their owner, or by nature they have a powerful therapeutic effect.

Prevention measures.

Keep your kitten indoors. This is the best way to prevent your cat from contracting zoonotic diseases. Follow your veterinarian's recommendations regarding vaccinations, parasite testing, treatment, and prevention.

Since many of the diseases listed above are spread through contact with cat feces, several measures can be taken, and most of them involve simple hygiene and common sense. In all cases, you should avoid direct contact with your cat's feces.