Not all pets are safe
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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If your child asks you to buy him a guinea pig, think about it - scientists say that this animal can be dangerous.
Doctors from Holland reported: it is the guinea pigs that can spread pathogens that cause the lethal form of pneumonia.
Microorganisms are called Chlamydia caviae - sometimes because of these bacteria the rodents themselves develop conjunctivitis. Previously, it was believed that for people such microbes do not pose a danger. Until three patients were hospitalized in the Netherlands with a clinic of acute pneumonia that occurred after contact with guinea pigs. Analyzes taken from patients confirmed fears: they had Chlamydia caviae.
Two patients were in extremely serious condition, they had to connect ventilation. Only the use of strong antibiotics allowed all three patients to be cured.
"Previously, there were no suspicions about these bacteria. However, now we are forced to warn doctors and veterinarians - there is a danger. Now we know for sure that the microbe is able to move from rodent carriers to humans. In addition to guinea pigs, carriers can be rabbits, horses and dogs, "said Professor Barth Ramakers, a member of the Beethoven Hospital.
Expert expert Steven Gordon, the head of one of the offices of the Cleveland Clinical Center (Ohio), confirms: all such cases should remind people that one should not forget the rules of hygiene in relation to domestic pets. "Security is first of all, especially if the pet owner has weakened immunity," the expert adds.
Cases of diseases, which we mentioned above, have arisen not simultaneously, but for three years. The patients were a man and two young women. Two patients became infected from rodents, which they kept at home - later the presence of a pathogenic microorganism was identified in the guinea pigs. The man at the house had two rodents, and one of the patients had more than two dozen. The second injured woman worked in veterinary medicine, so she became infected by caring for guinea pigs.
Bacteria physicians found in the analysis of sputum. As experts point out, not all rodents are carriers of infection - for example, a pathogenic microbe was isolated in 59 of the 123 gilts studied. This means that the risk is too great.
"It is possible that there were and more cases of infection. Just patients who come with acute pneumonia immediately undergo comprehensive antibiotic therapy, without specifying the cause of the disease, "the doctor suggests. At the same time, the professor specifies that only people with weakened immunity are at risk, so it's hardly worth getting rid of your pet. The main thing is to observe hygienic rules, caring for the rodent. "If you do not want to get sick, then try to regularly consult and show your pet to a veterinarian. Especially should be alerted if the rodent suffers from conjunctivitis or respiratory diseases - such an animal should be immediately shown to the veterinarian, "the doctor explains.
Details can be found in the recent edition of the Journal of Medicine of New England.
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