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Pasteurella multocida occurs in a high frequency in the saliva of pet dogs
J Rollof1, G Nordin-Fredriksson, E Holst
1Department of Infectious Disease, University Hospital of Lund, Sweden.
Abstract:
Pasteurella multocida is a frequent cause of infection after animal bites. In contrast to earlier reports, P. multocida appeared to be as common among dogs as among cats. We found 17 (81%) of 21 pet dogs to harbour P. multocida in their saliva. At normal contact, the risk of transmission from dogs to humans seems to be negligible. Only 1/27 dogs owners was found to harbour the organism. None of 13 cat owners or 23 persons without animal contacts harboured P. multocida.
Insights
Pasteurella multocida bacteria are commonly found in dog saliva, similar to cats. Transmission risk to humans from normal contact with dogs appears minimal, with low carriage rates observed in dog owners.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is a significant pathogen following animal bites.
- Previous research indicated higher prevalence in cats than dogs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Pasteurella multocida in dog saliva.
- To compare carriage rates between dogs and cats.
- To assess the risk of transmission to human owners.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriological analysis of saliva samples from pet dogs and cats.
- Screening of saliva from dog owners, cat owners, and individuals without animal contact.
Main Results:
- Pasteurella multocida was detected in 81% of pet dogs, a prevalence comparable to cats.
- Only one dog owner (1/27) carried the organism.
- No carriage was found in cat owners or individuals without animal contact.
Conclusions:
- Pasteurella multocida is highly prevalent in the saliva of pet dogs.
- The risk of transmission from dogs to humans through casual contact is low.
- Findings suggest dogs are a significant reservoir for Pasteurella multocida, similar to cats.