Surveillance of Zoonotic Parasites in Animals Involved in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs)

Simonato, Giulia; Danesi, Patrizia; Regalbono, Antonio Frangipane di; Dotto, Giorgia; Tessarin, Cinzia; Pietrobelli, Mario; Pasotto, Daniela

doi:10.3390/ijerph17217914

Cited by 17 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 26 publications

(34 reference statements)

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“…Giardia duodenalis (syn. G. lamblia , G. intestinalis ) is a flagellate protozoan parasite recognized as a significant global contributor to diarrheal disease, affecting humans, domestic animals, and wildlife across the globe [ 1 , 2 ]. The majority of G. duodenalis infections are asymptomatic; however, in rare cases, some patients may experience severe gastrointestinal disturbances for several weeks [ 3 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occurrence and Multi-Locus Analysis of Giardia duodenalis in Coypus (Myocastor coypus) in China

Cui

Wang

et al. 2021

Pathogens

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Giardia duodenalis is a major gastrointestinal parasite found globally in both humans and animals. This work examined the occurrence of G. duodenalis in coypus (Myocastor coypus) in China. Multi-locus analysis was conducted to evaluate the level of genetic variation and the potential zoonotic role of the isolates. In total, 308 fecal samples were collected from seven farms in China and subjected to PCR screening to reveal G. duodenalis. Notably, G. duodenalis was detected in 38 (12.3%) specimens from assemblages A (n = 2) and B (n = 36). Positive samples were further characterized by PCR and nucleotide sequencing of the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi), beta giardin (bg), and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) genes. Multi-locus genotyping yielded 10 novel multi-locus genotypes (MLGs) (one MLG and nine MLGs for assemblages A and B, respectively). Based on the generated phylogenetic tree, AI–novel 1 clustered more closely with MLG AI-2. Furthermore, within the assemblage B phylogenetic analysis, the novel assemblage B MLGs were identified as BIV and clustered in the MLG BIV branch. This is the first report of G. duodenalis in coypus in China. The presence of zoonotic genotypes and subtypes of G. duodenalis in coypus suggests that these animals can transmit human giardiasis.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occurrence and Multi-Locus Analysis of Giardia duodenalis in Coypus (Myocastor coypus) in China

Cui

Wang

et al. 2021

Pathogens

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“…Testing for endoparasites in dogs is also essential from a welfare perspective. Eggs, larvae, cysts, and oocysts excreted via the canine fecal route can survive and be infectious in the environment over a long period of time and under different conditions (96,97). Dog feces deposited on soil in city parks/gardens are an inconvenience, and can pose a health threat such as the spread of Giardia or Toxocara eggs which can be transferred from animals to humans by fur contact (98)(99)(100).…”

Section: Environmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, some studies (25,97,111) show that dogs judged to be in good health can become asymptomatic carriers of infection (e.g., Clostridium difficile, MDR bacteria). Other studies show dogs can carry methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (111,113,114) after visiting human healthcare settings.…”

Section: Good Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Canine-Assisted Interventions and the Relevance of Welfare Assessments for Human Health, and Transmission of Zoonosis: A Literature Review

et al. 2022

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CAIs (canine-assisted interventions) include “canine-assisted therapy” in which a therapist sets client-oriented goals, 'canine-assisted activities' with recreational goals for clients, and 'canine-assisted education/learning' in which teachers or coaches create learning goals for students or clients. CAIs vary in nearly every way; their only common trait is the involvement of dogs to respond to human need. However, the benefits of involving dogs are highly dependent on the animal's health and behavior. A dog exhibiting negative behavior or an unwell dog might pose a risk, especially for CAI target groups, specifically individuals with immunosuppression, chronic illness, children, elderly, etc. Therefore, positive animal welfare as preventative medicine to avoid incidents or transmission of zoonosis is an attractive hypothesis, with implications for human and animal, health and well-being. This review aims to summarize the current published knowledge regarding different aspects of welfare in CAIs and to discuss their relevance in the light of health and safety in CAI participants. As method for this study, a literature search was conducted (2001–2022) using the Prisma method, describing issues of dog welfare as defined in the Welfare Quality® approach. This welfare assessment tool includes 4 categories related to behavior, health, management, and environment; it was, therefore, applicable to CAIs. Results indicate that dogs working in CAIs are required to cope with diverse variables that can jeopardize their welfare. In conclusion, we propose regular welfare assessments for dogs in CAIs, which would also protect the quality of the CAI sessions and the clients' safety and well-being.

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“…Emerging evidence reports beneficial effects for patients with phycological and physical diseases. The unique human-animal bond is believed to facilitate positive changes in patients' emotional, behavioral, mental, and physical status [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16].…”

Section: Aai and Pediatric Cancermentioning

confidence: 99%

Race, Zoonoses and Animal Assisted Interventions in Pediatric Cancer

Cotoc

Notaro

2022

IJERPH

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Emerging evidence accumulates regarding the benefits of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) in facilitating pediatric cancer treatment and alleviating symptomatology through positive changes in the patients’ emotional, mental, and even physical status. A major concern expressed by healthcare providers and parents in implementing AAIs in hospital settings is the transmission of disease from animals to patients. Immunocompromised children, such as pediatric cancer patients are at increased risk for pet-associated diseases. Furthermore, existing disparities among the racial and ethnic minority groups of pediatric cancer patients can potentially exacerbate their risk for zoonoses. This literature review highlights the most common human infections from therapy animals, connections to the race and ethnic background of pediatric oncology patients, as well as means of prevention. The discussion is limited to dogs, which are typically the most commonly used species in hospital-based animal-assisted therapy. The aim is to highlight specific preventive measures, precautions and recommendations that must be considered in hospitals’ protocols and best practices, particularly given the plethora of benefits provided by AAI for pediatric cancer patients, staff and families.

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Surveillance of Zoonotic Parasites in Animals Involved in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs)

Cited by 17 publications

References 26 publications

Occurrence and Multi-Locus Analysis of Giardia duodenalis in Coypus (Myocastor coypus) in China

Occurrence and Multi-Locus Analysis of Giardia duodenalis in Coypus (Myocastor coypus) in China

Canine-Assisted Interventions and the Relevance of Welfare Assessments for Human Health, and Transmission of Zoonosis: A Literature Review

Race, Zoonoses and Animal Assisted Interventions in Pediatric Cancer

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