Problems of microbial zoonoses in Hungary. (A review)

Hungarian data of 36 zoonotic diseases are summarized. These illnesses cause problems not only for health, public health and veterinary health services but for the society and their importance has increased. Changing character of an old pathogen (Salmonella enteritidis PT4) resulted in new epidemiological situation. The number of cases of food-borne zoonotic diseases has rapidly grown. The number of pets has elevated and in consequence the possibility of an infection of owners, breaders, sellers and other persons has also grown. Growing number of HIV positive patients as well as ill persons treated with immunosuppressive drugs increases the importance of opportunistic zoonotic pathogens (Cryptosporidium, Toxoplasma). The most effective and less expensive way to prevent an exposed population is the active immunization (BCG, tetanus, tick-borne encephalitis). Active immunization of animals can also reduce probability of human infections and economic losses (leptospirosis, rabies). In special cases it is advised to perform eradication programmes to get pathogenic-free domestic animals (brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis). Permanent surveillance is obligatory to recognize changing nature of pathogens, alteration of epidemiological situation and to identify areas for further research. Continuous education of population in general and special teaching of risky groups are very important for an effective prevention.