Zoonotic Infections and Veterinary Pathogens

Zoonotic Infections

• Rabies, Microsporum canis, Leptospira, Campylobacter, and Bartonella are examples of zoonotic pathogens.
• Veterinarians should be concerned with zoonotic pathogens since they can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Pathogens of Greatest Infection Control Concern

• Adenovirus (canine), Parainfluenza virus (canine), Bordetella bronchiseptica, Parvoviruses (canine, feline), Calicivirus (feline), Respiratory coronavirus (canine), Chlamydophila (feline), Salmonella spp., Distemper virus (canine), Herpesvirus (feline), Influenza viruses (canine, novel), Leptospira interrogans, Microsporum canis, Multidrug-resistant organisms (Acinetobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp.) are all pathogens of concern in a veterinary hospital setting.
• Multidrug-resistant organisms are of particular concern due to the difficulty in treating them.

Transmission Routes of Pathogens

• Direct contact with infected tissues or fluids, bites, or scratches can transmit rabies, Microsporum canis, and Leptospira spp.
• Fomite transmission occurs when an inanimate object, such as a table, kennel, or bowl, becomes contaminated and leads to infection. Canine parvovirus is an example of this transmission route.
• Aerosol transmission happens when small particles or droplet nuclei are inhaled or land on mucous membranes. This route can transmit Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine influenza, and canine distemper virus.
• Oral transmission involves contaminated food or water, licking or chewing on contaminated surfaces, and can transmit feline panleukopenia, Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli, and Leptospira.
• Vector-borne transmission occurs when a living organism carries and transmits pathogenic microorganisms to other animals or places. Examples include heartworm disease, Bartonella infection, and Borrellia burgdorferi infection.

Biosecurity and Biosafety

• Biosecurity focuses on stopping the spread of disease from one person, animal, or place to another, primarily within clinical practice.
• Biosafety focuses on stopping the spread of biohazards from a specific location or preventing harm, primarily in laboratory settings.
• Veterinary practice utilizes biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of pathogens by preventing introduction, exposure, transmission, and infection within the hospital population.
• Laboratory settings utilize biosafety methods to prevent the spread of biohazards from the laboratory.

Infection Control, Prevention, and Biosecurity

• Breaches of ICPB can have medical, social, and financial impacts, affecting patients, clients, staff, and the hospital/clinic’s reputation.
• Early identification of infectious cases is crucial in preventing further exposures and ensuring the safety of the practice.
• Telephone triage allows for early recognition and identification of infectious cases, preventing high-risk patients from entering the main hospital areas.
• Key questions during phone triage include travel history, exposure to other animals, vaccination status, and recent illness.
• Prevention includes elimination of potential sources of infection, engineering of the hospital, and administration of control measures.
• Engineering aspects include hand hygiene stations, non-porous work surfaces, and negative pressure ventilation.
• Administrative aspects include training staff and clients, removing vectors, and vaccinating staff.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be chosen and used appropriately based on the risks associated with patient care.
• Infection Control Practitioner (ICP) is responsible for implementing and evaluating the practice’s infection control measures, ensuring staff compliance and training.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Hand hygiene is a crucial aspect of infection control and includes both washing hands with soap and water and using hand sanitizer.
• Phone triage is a vital step in identifying potential infectious cases before they enter the hospital.
• Questions to ask during phone triage include the patient's recent history, signs of illness, and vaccination status.
• Animals exhibiting acute coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or a MDR should be directed to a separate examination area.
• Isolation protocols are crucial for managing infectious cases and preventing further spread of pathogens.
• Entering an isolation room involves wearing appropriate PPE, using disposable items when possible, and adhering to strict disinfection practices.
• Exiting an isolation room also involves specific steps to prevent contamination, including removing PPE carefully and disinfecting any contaminated surfaces.
• Disposing of urine, feces, and other fluids involves using disposable materials whenever possible, cleaning and disinfecting properly, and following CDC guidelines.
• Communication about zoonotic potential is vital, both for clients and staff, to ensure proper precautions and minimize risk.
• Immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for contracting zoonotic infections and should be advised to exercise caution.

This quiz covers important zoonotic pathogens such as Rabies and Leptospira that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It also addresses pathogens of greatest concern in veterinary practice, highlighting the significance of multidrug-resistant organisms. Test your knowledge on these critical topics relevant to animal health and public safety.