Feline zoonosis

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Feline zoonosis is a type of zoonosis that refers to diseases that can be transmitted from cats to humans. These diseases can be caused by various types of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Feline zoonosis can be caused by a variety of pathogens. Some of the most common include:

  • Toxoplasmosis: This is a parasitic disease caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. Cats are the primary host of this parasite, and humans can become infected through contact with cat feces.
  • Cat Scratch Disease: Also known as Bartonellosis, this is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans through a cat scratch or bite.
  • Rabies: This is a viral disease that can be transmitted to humans through a bite from an infected cat.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of feline zoonosis can vary depending on the specific disease. However, common symptoms can include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention of feline zoonosis primarily involves good hygiene practices. This can include:

  • Washing hands thoroughly after handling cats
  • Avoiding contact with stray cats
  • Keeping cats indoors to reduce their exposure to other infected animals
  • Regularly cleaning and disinfecting cat litter boxes

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for feline zoonosis depends on the specific disease. This can range from antibiotics for bacterial infections, to antiviral medications for viral infections, to antiparasitic medications for parasitic infections.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Feline zoonosis Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD