What diseases do decorative rats carry? - briefly
Decorative rats can transmit bacterial illnesses such as «Salmonellosis», «Leptospirosis», «Rat‑bite fever» (caused by «Streptobacillus moniliformis») and viral infections including «Hantavirus» and «lymphocytic choriomeningitis». They may also harbor parasites such as «cestodes» and «nematodes», though these are less common.
What diseases do decorative rats carry? - in detail
Decorative rats, often kept as pets, are capable of harbouring a range of zoonotic agents. These pathogens can be transmitted to humans through bites, scratches, direct contact with urine or faeces, and inhalation of aerosolised particles.
• Salmonella spp. – bacteria commonly present in the gastrointestinal tract. Human infection produces gastro‑enteritis characterised by abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and fever. Risk increases after handling contaminated bedding or droppings.
• Leptospira interrogans – spirochaete shed in urine. Exposure leads to leptospirosis, presenting with flu‑like symptoms, jaundice and renal impairment. Severe cases may cause haemorrhagic complications.
• Streptobacillus moniliformis – causative agent of rat‑bite fever. Transmission occurs via bite or scratch; illness manifests as fever, rash, polyarthralgia and, occasionally, septic arthritis.
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) – arenavirus present in rodent urine, saliva and faeces. Human infection produces febrile illness, meningitis or encephalitis; pregnant women face a risk of fetal loss.
• Hantavirus – primarily Seoul virus in rats. Inhalation of aerosolised droppings can cause haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, marked by fever, myalgia, thrombocytopenia and renal dysfunction.
• Giardia duodenalis – protozoan parasite transmitted through contaminated water or food handling. Infection causes diarrhoea, malabsorption and weight loss.
• Cryptosporidium spp. – oocysts excreted in faeces. Human disease presents as watery diarrhoea, which may be prolonged in immunocompromised individuals.
• Tapeworms (Hymenolepis nana, Hymenolepis diminuta) – eggs shed in faeces. Ingestion leads to abdominal discomfort, anorexia and, rarely, eosinophilic reactions.
• Dermatophytes (e.g., Trichophyton mentagrophytes) – fungi causing ringworm. Contact with infected skin or fur results in pruritic, circular lesions on the human epidermis.
Prevention relies on regular veterinary health checks, strict hygiene after handling cages, use of disposable gloves when cleaning, and prompt treatment of any bite or scratch. Vaccination of the animal is unavailable for most of these agents; therefore, environmental control and personal protective measures remain the primary safeguards.