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Dog-associated risk factors for human plague.

L Hannah Gould1, J Pape, P Ettestad

  • 1Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Bacterial Diseases Branch, Fort Collins, CO, USA. lgould@cdc.gov

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Summary

Plague infection risk increases with close contact with dogs, especially sleeping in the same bed. Dogs may transfer infected fleas into homes, highlighting pet contact as a significant risk factor.

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Area of Science:

  • Zoonotic diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Plague is a rare, fatal zoonotic disease found in the western United States.
  • Pet contact has been previously identified as a potential risk factor for plague infection.
  • The specific risks associated with pets at household and individual levels require further definition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between pet ownership and plague infection.
  • To identify specific household and individual-level risk factors related to pets in plague cases.
  • To better understand the role of pets in the transmission of plague.

Main Methods:

  • A matched case-control study was conducted.
  • Nine surviving plague patients, 12 household members, and 30 matched controls were surveyed.
  • A written questionnaire assessed household and individual exposures to pets and flea control measures.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in dog or cat ownership or flea control use were found between case and control households.
  • Case households were more likely to report a sick dog (44% vs. 0%) compared to control households.
  • Plague patients were more likely to sleep in the same bed with a pet dog (44% vs. 10%) compared to controls.
  • Sleeping in the same bed with a pet dog remained a significant risk factor in multivariate analysis (P=0.046).

Conclusions:

  • Dogs may play a role in facilitating flea transfer into households.
  • Close and extended contact with dogs, such as sharing a bed, increases the risk of plague infection.
  • Public health recommendations should consider close pet contact as a potential risk factor for plague exposure.