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Pets and the immunocompromised person

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

HIV virus and t-cells
HIV virus and t-cells

Alternative Names    Return to top

AIDS patients and pets; Bone marrow transplant patients and pets; Chemotherapy patients and pets

Information    Return to top

Persons with weakened immune systems are often advised to give up their pets to avoid getting various diseases from the animals. Persons in this category include those who take high doses of steroids and others who have:

However, many patients decide to keep their pets. Therefore, the patient and their family must be aware of the potential risk for diseases that can be passed from animals to humans.

Here are some guidelines:

For more information on pet-related infections, contact your local veterinarian or the Humane Society in your area.

Update Date: 12/3/2007

Updated by: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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