Pet Owners With Compromised Immune Systems

The immune system may become suppressed by underlying disease, treatments or infectious diseases. Systemic diseases associated with immune suppression in people include congenital immunodeficiencies, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, alcoholism and cirrhosis of the liver. People likely to receive immunosuppressive treatments are cancer patients, organ or bone marrow transplant recipients, and people with autoimmune diseases. Other immunosuppressive treatments include splenectomy and long term hemodialysis. Although many infectious diseases may cause immune suppression, the most profound suppression is caused by HIV.

Cancer patients, diabetics, transplant recipients, infants, people infected with HIV and people on immunosuppressive medication may have compromised immune systems. Sometimes well-meaning friends and health care providers advise people with compromised immune systems to get rid of their pets because of misconceptions about the health risks of pet ownership. If the pet is healthy the potential human health risks of pet companionship have been shown to be minimal.

The following guidelines and recommendations are based on questions frequently asked by those with compromised immune systems. Both the person's physician and the pet's veterinarian should be consulted in order to explore all options before making a decision about pet ownership.

How dangerous is it for me to own a pet?
Pets can carry zoonotic infections. Zoonoses are infections that are shared by animals and people; salmonella is one example. Immune compromised individuals are more likely to contract zoonotic infections from contaminated food, water, soil, or even other people than from pets. The advantages of pet ownership may far outweigh the risks, depending on the individual situation.

What are some of the diseases that are transmitted by animals?
The most common infections that are associated with animals include Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp, Salmonella spp, Campylobacter spp, Giardia sp, Rhodococcus equi, Bartonella (Rochalimaea) spp, Mycobacterium marinum, and Bordatella bronchiseptica. Each of these infections, except possibly Bartonella spp, may be acquired from sources other than pets.

I've decided I would like to have a pet. How can a veterinarian help me?
A veterinarian can provide valuable information about how to keep your pet healthy. If you are thinking of obtaining a pet, a veterinarian can provide guidance on pet selection, care, feeding and environmental management. If your pet becomes sick, a veterinarian can provide appropriate medical or surgical care.

What should I look for when choosing a veterinarian?
You will want to choose a veterinarian who is willing to provide an expanded preventive health care program for pets who live with immunocompromised people. Your pet's program will need to match your level of immunosuppression. You will need to recognize that an expanded zoonoses prevention program may be more expensive than routine veterinary care.

I don't yet have a pet. What should I look for?
New pets present risks because they come with very little health history so you will need to take extra precautions. New pets should be examined by a veterinarian for parasites and other diseases transmissible to people. Be especially careful with puppies, kittens and reptiles who are more likely to carry infection. Be sure to select a pet whose energy level and exercise requirements match your own.

I have been advised to give up my pet. What should I do?
Make an appointment with your veterinarian and with your physician to discuss the risks to your health and whether those risks can be minimized in your situation.

Should I be concerned about Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus?
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are species-specific, that is, they infect only cats. However, these viruses cause immunosuppression in cats, so that your cat may be more likely to contract diseases that may be passed on to you.

Some suggestions for pet selection:

It may be safer to choose a healthy adult pet rather than a young one.
Avoid reptiles and monkeys.
Select a pet whose temperament, energy level and environmental needs are close to your own.

Some suggestions for veterinary care:

Veterinarians are health care professionals who will maintain doctor-client confidentiality.
Select a veterinarian who is willing to provide an expanded health care program. Your pet's program will need to match your level of immunosuppression.
Immediately after your pet is obtained, have it examined by your veterinarian.
If the pet's health is questionable, it should not be allowed contact with an immunosuppressed person.
Your veterinarian will test your pet for parasites and bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoan infections that could harm you now that your immunity is low.
Keep your pet's vaccinations current.
Control fleas and other parasites.
Make sure your pet is neutered or spayed.
Seek veterinary care immediately for sick animals.

Recommendations for pet care:

Feed only high quality commercial pet food to ensure a balanced diet.
Never feed raw meat, raw poultry, uncooked eggs, or unpasteurized milk to your pet.
Don't allow your pet to drink from the toilet.
Always walk with your pet on a leash and minimize your pet's contact with other animals.
Prevent hunting and scavenging.
Keep your pet clean and well groomed, with toenails kept short and blunt.
Do not allow birds to fly free in your home. You must avoid their droppings.
Wear rubber gloves and a face mask when cleaning the litter box, aquarium or bird cage.

Excerpts from HIV/AIDS & Pet Ownership reprinted with permission of Tuskagee University College of Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee, Alabama.