Zoonotic risks of household pets among children in urban and periurban Iraq: Antimicrobial resistance insights

Pet-associated zoonotic diseases in children represent a public health concern, particularly in resource-limited settings. The purpose of this study was to measure the level of prevalence of the carriage of zoonotic pathogens among children living with domestic pets, to determine the most common pathogenic agents, to characterize the distribution of antimicrobial resistance, and to define the major risk factors that predispose to transmission. Stool, nasal swab, skin swab, and blood samples were collected from children, while rectal swabs, fecal samples, fur/feather swabs, and nasal swabs were collected from pets. Microbiological culture, PCR-based identification of the pathogen, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and broth microdilution antimicrobial susceptibility testing were done. Independent risk factors were identified using logistic regression analysis. Zoonotic pathogen prevalence was ۴۸.۴% in dog-owning children (n=۱۲۴), ۵۲.۰% in cat-owning children (n = ۹۸), ۳۸.۸% in bird-owning children (n = ۶۷), and ۱۴.۶% in control children (n = ۸۹), all groups p<۰.۰۰۱ vs. control. Toxocara spp., Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Pasteurella multocida and Chlamydia psittaci (the latter detected exclusively in the bird group, at ۱۱.۹%) were the most common pathogens. Campylobacter exhibited ۲۲.۶% multidrug resistance. Unvaccinated pets (aOR = ۴.۱۹), child age less than ۵ years (aOR = ۳.۶۵), and lack of handwashing (aOR = ۳.۰۷) were independent risk factors. Of total annual cases, ۳۹.۳% occurred during summer. The fact that the antimicrobial resistance rates are high highlights the necessity of diverse One Health surveillance and public health programs such as compulsory vaccination of pets, hygiene training, and regular veterinary check-ups.

کلیدواژه ها:

Zoonosis ، PCR ، Campylobacter ، Salmonella