An infection is the invasion of an organism's body tissues by disease-causing agents, their multiplication, and the reaction of your body or your pet’s body to the infectious agents and the toxins they produce. They are caused by viruses, bacteria, fungus and other agents such as parasites, for example, fleas and worms.
Bacteria
Humans and animals all carry their own normal, specialised colonies of bacteria.
A bacterial infection is a proliferation of a harmful strain of bacteria on or inside the body. Bacteria can infect any area of the body
Humans and animals all carry their own normal, specialised colonies of bacteria. These are generally harmless in the normal course of events and serve to prevent the growth of pathogenic (dangerous) bacteria and other pathogens.
Resistancerequires the right drug for the right bug. Bacterial resistance or antimicrobial resistance is the most commonly spoken of and is prevalent worldwide. It is therefore imperative that bacterial infections are specifically identified and that the antibiotic treatment used is specifically for that infection. It is the bacteria that are resistant, not the infected animal or person.
Transmission - Bacteria are transferred from one person to another or from a person to an animal (or vice versa) by direct contact. The source of the bacteria may be an infected wound, unwashed hands or any contaminated object with which a person or animal has come into contact. This transfer is harmless unless the recipient of the bacteria is in a state of vulnerability; either because of an open wound, impairment of the immune system or through reduction of the normally occurring bacteria inhibiting the growth of transferred pathogens which may result from the use of antibiotics or other antimicrobial agents.
Transmission of bacterial infection can be direct or indirect:
Direct contact from one being to another;
Or indirectly via objects such as food bowls, floors and work surfaces
Care – the key is good hand hygiene. Click here to watch our hand washing video Transmission of bacteria may be minimised by following good hand hygiene instructions The most common strains of resistant infections affecting companion animals are those found in humans and usually those found in health-care settings. In particular, people who work in these settings may have a higher occupational risk of carrying MRSA and thus may be a greater potential source of transfer than those who do not work in such environments.
Most bacteria have the ability to survive in the environment for prolonged periods of time; therefore, items and objects in these environments (telephones, computer keyboards, pens, tourniquets, stethoscopes) and those who work in higher risk settings (hospitals, care homes, veterinary practices) are more likely to present a risk of contamination and transmission. The likelihood of bacteria being transferred from one location or person to another is reduced when good hygiene is practised. As it is the hands which most frequently come into contact with external objects, people or animals, good hand hygiene should be carried out whenever there is contact with a potential source of contamination. Appropriate cleaning of equipment should be an integral part of good clinical practice. For pet owners caring for post-operative pets at home, transmission of bacteria to the pet may be minimised by following good hand hygiene instructions as well as cleaning the home environment. Read More
The best way to protect against viruses is by vaccination.
A viral infection is caused by a harmful virus inside the body. Viruses cannot reproduce without the assistance of a host (you or your pet). Symptoms of the viral illness occur as a result of cell damage, tissue destruction, and the associated immune response. Viruses multiply within the cells of a a living host. They can survive on work surfaces, rocks, plastic and other non-living surfaces. The best way to protect against viruses is by vaccination. Regular boosters to maintain immunity are essential.
Resistance – Antiviral resistance is caused by a virus changing in such a way that antiviral drugs are less effective, or not effective at all, in treating or preventing illnesses caused by a specific virus. Influenza viruses, for example, can become resistant to influenza antiviral drugs.
Transmission: Viruses can be transmitted in a variety of ways. Some viruses can spread through touch, saliva, or even through the air. Other viruses may be transmitted through sexual contact or by sharing contaminated needles. Insects including ticks and mosquitoes can act as ‘vectors’, transmitting a virus from one host to another. Contaminated food and water are other potential sources of viral infection.
Care: Many viral infections will resolve on their own without treatment. Treatment of viral infections may focus on symptom relief rather than on fighting the virus. For example, medicine for colds helps to alleviate the pain and congestion associated with the cold, but does not act directly on the cold virus
Fungus
A fungal infection is any inflammatory condition caused by a fungus. Most fungal infections are superficial and mild, though they may be persistent and difficult to eradicate. Some, particularly in older, debilitated, immunosuppressed or immunodeficient people, may become systemic and life threatening. Ringworm is a fungal skin infection which causes a red, circular, itchy rash.
Resistance: Many fungal infections are not sensitive to all the drugs which are available , many of which have unwanted side effects. Using the correct drug in the right way is essential.
Transmission: Fungal infections are considered to be contagious between people. Generally, the infectious agent may be transmitted by saliva, air, coughing, faecal-oral route, affected surfaces, blood, needles, blood transfusions, sexual contact, mother to foetus, etc
Care: Contact with the fungus is not the only factor needed for transmission. The overall health, age, and nutritional status of the person or pet play a role in determining whether or not infection occurs. People or pets with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of becoming infected with fungal infections such as ringworm. Ringworm can affect any area of the skin, but in pets it most commonly affects the face, feet, ear tips, and tails.
