Strep A is making headlines currently, and many people are understandably concerned about the potential impact of this bacterium on their health and the health of their loved ones. But what role do our pet dogs play in this disease process, if any? We’ve been looking into all the science to find out if dogs can be affected by Strep A, and their role in any potential transmission of infection.
Table of contents
What is Strep A?
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) are bacteria (scientific name Streptococcus pyogenes), which are actually very common; they can be found on most healthy people, usually on the skin or in the throat. There are many different types of Streptococcus, and they are often carried by people or pets without causing any illness.
Sometimes, Strep A bacteria can cause disease in people, usually mild infections of the throat, skin and respiratory tract – including strep throat (pharyngitis), scarlet fever, impetigo and flu-like symptoms. These are usually mild infections and can be treated with antibiotics. In very rare cases, the bacteria can cause more serious, even life-threatening, infections. This is known as invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections. They mostly occur in vulnerable groups such as the elderly and young children.
How is it spread?
Streptococcal bacteria are spread through close direct contact with infected people. This is usually through physical skin contact or through infected droplets from the respiratory system, such as in coughs and sneezes. The bacteria can survive for short periods in the environment and on food, and so transmission is possible from contaminated surfaces, equipment and foodstuffs.
Can dogs get strep throat?
Dogs can get sore throats, fevers, coughs and sneezes, just like we can. There are varying causes, but bacterial infection can lead to all of these symptoms. Dogs with bacterial throat or respiratory tract infections may show signs such as coughing, gagging or lip-licking, fever, lethargy and a poor appetite.
So, is this strep throat in dogs, just like it is in people?
Streptococcal bacteria are very common, and can be found on dogs, but it is important to remember that there are many different strains of Streptococcus bacteria. The most common type found on dogs is Streptococcus canis, a Group G Streptococcus. Group A streptococcal bacteria can be found on dogs, but not as commonly. In one study, out of 115 pets with respiratory illness, only 9.6% had S. pyogenes (Samir et al., 2020).
If a dog has a Streptococcal infection causing symptoms of pharyngitis, fever or other similar signs, it is fairly unlikely to be Strep A causing the problem. You should observe good hygiene measures, as always, and contact your vet if your dog is unwell.
Could dogs pass Strep A to people?
There is currently no evidence that dogs are commonly a source of infection of Strep A for humans. The main reason for this lack of transmission is that humans and dogs are usually affected by different strains of the Streptococcus bacteria – type A vs type G.
One older study implicated a household dog as a source of infection for a family with recurrent strep throat, however this study has since been questioned as the methods used would not accurately be able to distinguish Strep A from a Group G Streptococcus.
It is theoretically possible for dogs to harbour the Strep A bacteria and pass them to people, but there seems to be no evidence of this happening and therefore is likely to be extremely rare.
A comprehensive review of risk factors, prevention and control of Strep A (Avire et al., 2021) does not mention pets as being a source of concern or as having any role in transmission. The vast majority of cases appear to be spread through direct person-to-person contact, or possibly through the environment or food.
Do I need to isolate from my pet?
If either a person or a pet in the household has signs of a Streptococcus infection, there is no need to isolate unless advised to by a medical professional. Good hygiene measures should always be observed, but especially when a member of the household (pet or human!) is ill. This is especially true given the risk of antibiotic resistant strains of Streptococcus developing in both humans and animals. This includes frequent and thorough handwashing, cleaning of surfaces and bedding and observing correct hygiene around food. Professional medical or veterinary advice should be sought if you are concerned about your health, or that of a pet.
References:
- Avire, N., Whiley, H. & Ross, K. (2021) ‘A review of Streptococcus pyogenes: public health risk factors, prevention and control’ Pathogens 10(2) pp.248
- Samir, A., Abdel-Moein, K. & Zaher, H. (2020) ‘Emergence of penicillin-macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes amongst pet animals: an ongoing public health threat’ Comparative Immunology, Microbiology & Infectious Diseases 68
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