Transmission of Pseudomonas aeruginosa epidemic strain from a patient with cystic fibrosis to a pet cat.
Chronic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is common in cystic fibrosis (CF) and certain strains are more transmissible and virulent than others. Of these, the Liverpool Epidemic Strain (LES) is highly transmissible and cross infection has been reported between patients with CF and healthy non-CF relatives. However, the risk of transmission from humans to animals is unknown. The first report of interspecies transmission of the LES strain of P aeruginosa from an adult patient with CF to a pet cat is described. This development further complicates the issue of infection control policies required to prevent the spread of this organism.
Mohan
K
K
Adult Cystic Fibrosis unit, The Cardiothoracic Centre NHS Trust, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK. kamleshmohan@hotmail.com
Fothergill
J L
JL
Storrar
J
J
Ledson
M J
MJ
Winstanley
C
C
Walshaw
M J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*; D002415:Cats; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010118:Oxytetracycline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000635:transmission* / Q000662:veterinary*; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010118:Oxytetracycline