PET LICKS CAN CAUSE MILD RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS TO ENDOCARDITIS, WARNS SPECIALISTAPRIL 2, 2019 @10.45 AM
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Pets – they give you joy, loyalty and sloppy kisses. But before you allow Fifi or Dido to climb into bed at night or share lip space with you, know that they can also give you zoonoses.
"The most common parasitic zoonoses associated with dogs are caused by hookworms and roundworms, which in humans can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, anemia and other conditions. Pasteurella multocida, an infection commonly caused by pet licks can cause everything from mild respiratory symptoms to serious conditions including endocarditis," says Dr Patricia Lim Su Lyn consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist KPJ Tawakkal Specialist Hospital. Common bacteria such as Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, E-coli and Salmonella, ringworm - a common fungal infection that is highly contagious can easily spread from cats to humans. While relatively harmless, it is particularly prevalent in children and can be very frustrating to treat. Cat scratch fever or Bartonella can sometimes be passed on to humans. Patricia also highlighted parasites, such as Toxoplasmosis, that can be transmitted to humans through unsafe handling of kitty litter. This parasite is especially harmful to pregnant ladies as it can post a danger to the fetus itself. 
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