Bartonella spp. in pets and effect on human health

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Zoonoses

Background:

• Pets, particularly cats and dogs, are reservoirs for Bartonella species, many of which are zoonotic.
• Cats are primary reservoirs for Bartonella henselae, B. clarridgeiae, and B. koehlerae.
• Dogs can be infected by various Bartonella species, though their role as reservoirs is less defined than cats, potentially acting as accidental hosts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on Bartonella species in pets.
• To discuss the etiologic agents, clinical features, and epidemiology of Bartonella infections in pets and their zoonotic implications.
• To highlight the role of dogs as sentinels for human Bartonella infections.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on Bartonella infections in pets.
• Synthesis of information on Bartonella species, reservoirs, transmission, and clinical manifestations.
• Analysis of the epidemiological characteristics and zoonotic potential.

Main Results:

• Cats are confirmed reservoirs for specific Bartonella species.
• Dogs are susceptible to a range of Bartonella species, and their disease spectrum mirrors human infections, making them useful sentinels.
• While cat fleas are a known vector for Bartonella henselae, ticks and biting flies are emerging potential vectors.

Conclusions:

• Pets represent a significant reservoir for zoonotic Bartonella infections.
• Dogs' role as sentinels for human Bartonella infections is crucial due to similar clinical presentations.
• Further research into potential vectors and the full extent of Bartonella reservoirs in domestic animals is warranted.