Dog Bite Can Lead To Severe Infection

By Staff

Friday, June 26, 2009, 16:57

Raring a pet may just will perhaps be the last word for many after one hears this. According to some American researchers, pet owners are at an increases risk of getting infected with the potentially fatal M.R.S.A. infection through dogs and cats. This comes after the head researcher from the University of South Florida, Dr. Richard Oehler, admits that M.R.S.A. and in dogs and cats can be spread through bites.

He believes that children between the age group of five and nine are at risk of dog bites the most, while for the elders, cat bites seem to have been a problem. So, what is the threat for? Well, according to him, these bites cause deeper puncture wounds than dogs, and carry a higher risk of infection and soft-tissue abscesses. If ones goes by the figures, it's believed that almost 20 per cent of the bites lead to severe infections, caused by bacteria in the animal's mouth, plus other infectious agents from the person's skin.

When asked to opine on the infection, the BBC quoted Oehler, as saying, "As community-acquired strains of M.R.S.A. increase in prevalence, a growing body of clinical evidence has documented MRSA colonisation in domestic animals, often implying direct infection from their human owners". He also speaks about the infection in other animals. He adds: "M.R.S.A. colonisation has been documented in companion animals such as horses, dogs, and cats and these animals have been viewed as potential reservoirs of infection. M.R.S.A.-related of pets," he says, is “seem to occur in various manifestations and can be easily spread to owners."

As far as remedies are concerned, any MRSA infection acquired from pets is treated with medication, as normal MRSA infections. "Pet owners are often unaware of the potential for transmission of life-threatening pathogens from their canine and feline companions," said the researchers. He concludes: “Precaution is the best remedy. Clinicians must continue to promote loving pet ownership, take an adequate pet history, and be aware that associated diseases are preventable via recognition, education and simple precautions."

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