What can you catch from a domestic rat? - briefly
Pet rats may carry zoonotic agents such as Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, Seoul hantavirus, Salmonella spp., and Streptobacillus moniliformis, all of which can cause serious illness in humans. They can also host ectoparasites like fleas and mites that transmit additional infections.
What can you catch from a domestic rat? - in detail
Domestic rats can transmit a range of zoonotic agents. The most common categories include bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and allergens. Each group presents distinct risks, clinical manifestations, and preventive measures.
Bacterial infections
- Salmonella spp.: Causes gastroenteritis with diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever. Transmission occurs through handling of contaminated fur, bedding, or droppings.
- Streptobacillus moniliformis (rat‑bite fever): Produces fever, rash, arthralgia, and sometimes septicemia. Infection follows a bite, scratch, or exposure to infected secretions.
- Leptospira interrogans: Leads to leptospirosis, characterized by fever, headache, myalgia, and possible renal or hepatic involvement. Contact with urine‑contaminated water or surfaces is the primary route.
- Pasteurella multocida: May cause localized skin infection after a bite, presenting with redness, swelling, and purulent discharge.
Viral pathogens
- Hantavirus: Though rare in pet rats, certain strains can cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Inhalation of aerosolized urine, droppings, or saliva is the transmission route. Early symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and nausea.
- Rat coronavirus (RCV): Generally limited to rodents, but experimental evidence suggests potential cross‑species exposure; clinical relevance to humans remains low.
Parasitic organisms
- Heligmosomoides polygyrus (intestinal nematode): May cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Infection results from ingestion of eggs present in contaminated food or bedding.
- Cestodes (e.g., Hymenolepis nana): Can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Transmission follows ingestion of eggs from rat feces.
- Protozoa such as Giardia duodenalis: Produces watery diarrhea and malabsorption; spreads via fecal‑oral route.
Fungal agents
- Dermatophytes (e.g., Trichophyton mentagrophytes): Cause ringworm lesions on skin, hair loss, and itching. Direct contact with infected fur or contaminated surfaces is required.
Allergic reactions
- Rodent allergens: Proteins in urine, dander, and saliva can trigger asthma, rhinitis, or dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Symptoms appear after inhalation or skin contact.
Prevention strategies
- Maintain strict cage hygiene: daily removal of waste, weekly deep cleaning with a diluted bleach solution.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling rats, cleaning enclosures, or touching bedding.
- Use protective gloves when cleaning cages or performing veterinary procedures.
- Keep rats indoors, away from food preparation areas, and prevent escape.
- Regular veterinary examinations to identify and treat infections early.
- Avoid bites and scratches; handle animals calmly and use proper restraint techniques.
- For individuals with known rodent allergies, consider medical evaluation and possible environmental controls.
Recognition of illness in the animal helps reduce human exposure. Signs such as nasal discharge, sneezing, diarrhea, weight loss, or skin lesions warrant immediate veterinary assessment. Prompt treatment of the pet reduces pathogen load and lowers transmission risk.