How is infection transmitted from a cat? - briefly
Infections from cats can be transmitted through scratches, bites, or direct contact with their saliva, feces, or contaminated surfaces. Certain diseases, like toxoplasmosis or ringworm, can also spread via airborne particles or contact with infected fur.
How is infection transmitted from a cat? - in detail
Infections can be transmitted from cats to humans through various routes, including direct contact, indirect contact, and environmental exposure. Direct transmission occurs when a person comes into physical contact with an infected cat, such as through scratches, bites, or handling the cat’s bodily fluids like saliva, urine, or feces. For example, cat scratch disease, caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae, is typically transmitted via scratches or bites that introduce the bacteria into the human body. Similarly, bites can lead to infections like pasteurellosis, caused by Pasteurella multocida, which is commonly found in cats’ mouths. Indirect transmission happens when humans touch contaminated objects or surfaces, such as litter boxes, food bowls, or bedding, and then transfer pathogens to their mouths, eyes, or open wounds. Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is often contracted through contact with cat feces or soil contaminated by infected feces. Environmental exposure can also occur when humans inhale airborne particles containing pathogens, such as fungal spores from ringworm (Microsporum canis), which can be shed from a cat’s fur or skin. Additionally, fleas and ticks that infest cats can act as vectors for diseases like bartonellosis or Lyme disease, which can be transmitted to humans through bites. It is essential to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly after handling cats or cleaning their litter boxes, and to take preventive measures like regular veterinary care and parasite control to minimize the risk of infection transmission.