Let’s face it: we’ve all been guilty of sneaking our dog a bite of our snack or letting them give us a slobbery “kiss.” But according to a new study, that cute little habit might not be as harmless as it seems. Researchers have found that household dogs can silently carry antibiotic-resistant Salmonella, posing serious risks to humans.
Here’s the scoop: scientists analyzed veterinary lab data and human infection records, finding 87 Salmonella-positive dog cases that matched 77 human cases in the same areas. Through DNA sequencing, they discovered some of these strains were resistant to antibiotics and closely related to the ones infecting humans. Yikes!
But it gets worse. About 39% of dog samples contained a gene that allows the bacteria to linger longer in intestines, which means more opportunities for transmission. Lead researcher Sophia Kenney humorously noted, “We don’t let cows lick our faces, but we do dogs.” Good point, right?
Study co-author Nkuchia M’ikanatha reminds us that outbreaks linked to pig ear treats serve as a warning to practice caution. On the bright side, not all bacteria are bad. Researcher Erika Ganda points out, “Bacteria can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on the context.”
The takeaway? Wash your hands, maybe skip the kisses, and keep the snacks to yourself. It’s all about finding the balance between loving your furry friend and keeping everyone healthy.
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