Campylobacter Zoonotic Infection, affecting Pets and It's Owners

Speaking of infection that affects pets and humans, a good example to focus on would be, campylobacteriosis, which is a bacterial infection that is caused by Camphylobacter jenuni and Camphylobacter upsaliensis.

The presence of campylobacter infection in dogs would result in symptoms like straining, lethargy, fever, abdominal cramps or pain, and mucoid diarrhea. The diarrhea may affect the animal for a week or more then it would suddenly relapse after the dog recovers.

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The infection is usually diagnosed through laboratory examination of a fecal sample, and to make a definitive diagnosis, a sensitivity test is usually required. Your dog, with a healthy appearance, could be a carrier of the infection even without being sick.

The bacteria that cause the infection are resistant to different antibiotics, but specific antibiotics are the way to go based on specifications from either your doctor or veterinarian.

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Although the antibiotics taken may not reduce the time range of the illness, it would at least reduce the number of bacteria that would eventually be excreted in the stool, therefore limiting the risk of infections to other pets in the home and other humans alike.

Aside from the administered medical treatment that your pet is given at the time of illness, you must provide sufficient water for him or her, as a case of fluid or electrolyte loss due to diarrhea could be severe. In several cases, the provision of IV fluid therapy may be needed in some cases.

Providing easily digestible food in small quantities will help digestion become easy. Practicing good hygiene is a great method of prevention, Taking out and cleaning feces from your home constantly and laundering your dog's bedding consistently makes a significant difference. Washing your hands consistently, especially after touching an infected animal, is essential; also, stop your dog from licking people's faces, especially those of little children.
Also, protect your pet from the consumption of raw meat, feces, or scavenging animals.

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Humans often get the infection through something eaten or drunk, and it makes the person sick; infection through contact with an infected animal is also very possible; that's why we classify the disease as a zoonotic one.

Most often, people feel sick for about 5-7 days, after which they recover just fine, even without needing any treatment. This means you could take care of yourself at home by resting properly and taking lots of fluid

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When humans have Campylobacter infection, they show symptoms in the form of fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramping. It can affect both children and adults.

In older children and adults, it is important to look out for signs of, not urinating regularly, feeling thirsty, and warm skin. Babies and toddlers would most likely not urinate frequently, with little to no tears while crying, sleeping excessively, and not having an interest in playing at all.

Campylobacter infections may result in complicated cases like reactive arthritis, Guillain-Barrr syndrome, Irritable bowel syndrome, and sepsis.

Just like pets, Campylobacter infection could also go away on its own in humans; dehydration could be avoided by consuming lots of fruits and replenishing your electrolytes with the help of a sports drink.

Campylobacter infections can be prevented by humans by being careful with the handling of food and its preparation, choosing a pasteurized dairy, consuming only clean water, and making it a habit to wash your hands. Bear in mind that germs love to play on the hands, and the distance from your hand to your eyes, mouth, nose, and other parts of the body is not difficult. So consistently wash your hands with soap and water all the time.

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For Further Studies

vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/

clevelandclinic.org/health/

msdmanuals.com/home/infections

msdmanuals.com/home/infections/bacterial-infections

webmd.com/food-recipes/food-

medlineplus. gov/ency/article/