ANIMAL-ASSOCIATED OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS AMONG PERSONS INFECTED WITH THE HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS

A number of animal-associated infections occur in persons infected wit h the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), including those due to Toxop lasma gondii, Cryptosporidium, Microsporida, Salmonella, Campylo-bacte r, Giardia, Rhodococcus equi, Rochalimaea, and Listeria monocytogenes. Most of these infections, with the exception of those due to Rochalim aea, appear to be acquired by the immunosuppressed individual from sou rces other than exposure to animals. Drs. Glaser and colleagues review our current understanding of the role of exposure to animals, especia lly pets, in the natural history of these opportunistic infections. Th ey suggest that the risk of zoonotic transmission is small and offer p ractical suggestions designed to reduce this low risk. They conclude t hat the benefits of animal companionship outweigh the risks to patient s and that prohibition of pet ownership by individuals infected with H IV is not warranted.