IMPORTANT HEALTH RISKS

Infectious diseases

Disease-causing organism: Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite that has the potential to be transmitted to most warm-blooded animals including humans. Cats serve as the primary host for this organism.

• Source: The infected animal who usually does not show signs of disease. However, infected animals may present with a variety neurological signs.
• Transmission: Fecal/oral through contact with the cat or contaminated matter such as cat litter
• Disease in humans: In humans, infections are usually asymptomatic. For pregnant women who have not built up immunity to the organism, exposure to toxoplasmosis can result in complications in the pregnancy. In addition, toxoplasmosis is a major concern for individuals who are immunocompromised. In these individuals, infection may lead to neurological problems (i.e., meningoencephalitis).
• Prevention: Women of child-bearing age and immunocompromised individuals need to be aware of the possible risk of infection. Women who have not been exposed to toxoplasma before becoming pregnant should stay away from cats and their feces as a precautionary measure.

Cat Scratch Disease (“Cat Scratch Fever”)

Disease-causing organism: Bartonella henselae, a bacterial agent

• Source: Cat scratches or bites from infected animals that do not show signs of disease.
• Transmission: Cat scratches or bites
• Disease in Humans: Infection in humans is characterized by local pain and lymph node enlargement.
• Prevention: Proper handling of felines to avoid bites and scratches is probably the safest way to avoid the disease. If an accident does occur, medical attention should be sought promptly.

Ringworm:

Disease-causing organism: A dermatophyte (skin fungus; most commonly Microsporum spp. and Trichophyton spp.). It is commonly known as ringworm because of its characteristic raised circular lesion.

• Source: Many species of lab animals; often an unapparent infection.
• Transmission: Direct contact with the infected animal. Any animal with evidence of hair loss, crusty, and red skin must have veterinary evaluation.
• Disease in humans: Usually self-limiting but often observe a circular lesion characterized by reddened rough skin. Employees who show dermatological abnormalities should seek medical attention and inform the physician of the contact with cats.
• Prevention: The best method of preventing transmission is for the worker to wash hands frequently with soap and water. Wearing latex gloves and lab coats, uniforms or scrubs will also help cut down on transmission to the worker.

Rabies:

Disease-causing organism: Rabies virus, a rhabdovirus can infect almost any mammal. It is rare in the research environment because cats usually are purchased from high quality sources with excellent disease control programs.

• Source: The infected animal. The virus can be shed in the animal’s saliva for days to weeks before the clinical signs of rabies are present. Any random-source cat (animal with an unknown clinical history) exhibiting central nervous system signs should be considered suspect for rabies.
• Transmission: Contact with saliva, mucus membranes, or blood. Commonly transmitted through bites or through contamination of a person’s open wound with saliva, blood, or tissue contact.
• Disease in humans: Rabies is a very serious; often times a fatal disease in humans cases that go untreated. Any suspect animal that bites an employee must not be euthanized, but rather will be held for quarantine on campus.
• Prevention: Minimize contact with a biting animal and its saliva by not working alone, wearing latex gloves, and wearing lab coat or scrubs. In addition, any person handling cats should consider being vaccinated against rabies.