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Race, Zoonoses and Animal Assisted Interventions in Pediatric Cancer

Author

Listed:
  • Crina Cotoc

    (Medical School and School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA)

  • Stephen Notaro

    (College of Doctoral Studies, University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA)

Abstract

Emerging evidence accumulates regarding the benefits of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) in facilitating pediatric cancer treatment and alleviating symptomatology through positive changes in the patients’ emotional, mental, and even physical status. A major concern expressed by healthcare providers and parents in implementing AAIs in hospital settings is the transmission of disease from animals to patients. Immunocompromised children, such as pediatric cancer patients are at increased risk for pet-associated diseases. Furthermore, existing disparities among the racial and ethnic minority groups of pediatric cancer patients can potentially exacerbate their risk for zoonoses. This literature review highlights the most common human infections from therapy animals, connections to the race and ethnic background of pediatric oncology patients, as well as means of prevention. The discussion is limited to dogs, which are typically the most commonly used species in hospital-based animal-assisted therapy. The aim is to highlight specific preventive measures, precautions and recommendations that must be considered in hospitals’ protocols and best practices, particularly given the plethora of benefits provided by AAI for pediatric cancer patients, staff and families.

Suggested Citation

  • Crina Cotoc & Stephen Notaro, 2022. "Race, Zoonoses and Animal Assisted Interventions in Pediatric Cancer," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-11, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7772-:d:847107
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Antonio Santaniello & Susanne Garzillo & Alessia Amato & Mario Sansone & Alessandro Fioretti & Lucia Francesca Menna, 2020. "Occurrence of Pasteurella multocida in Dogs Being Trained for Animal-Assisted Therapy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-9, September.
    2. McQuillan, G.M. & Kruszon-Moran, D. & Kottiri, B.J. & Curtin, L.R. & Lucas, J.W. & Kington, R.S., 2004. "Racial and ethnic differences in the seroprevalence of 6 infectious diseases in the United States: Data from NHANES III, 1988-1994," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(11), pages 1952-1958.
    3. Antonio Santaniello & Mario Sansone & Alessandro Fioretti & Lucia Francesca Menna, 2020. "Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Occurrence of ESKAPE Bacteria Group in Dogs, and the Related Zoonotic Risk in Animal-Assisted Therapy, and in Animal-Assisted Activity in the Health Context," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-25, May.
    4. Emanuela Roscetto & Chiara Varriale & Umberto Galdiero & Camilla Esposito & Maria Rosaria Catania, 2021. "Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing and Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales in Companion and Animal-Assisted Interventions Dogs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-10, December.
    5. Giulia Simonato & Patrizia Danesi & Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono & Giorgia Dotto & Cinzia Tessarin & Mario Pietrobelli & Daniela Pasotto, 2020. "Surveillance of Zoonotic Parasites in Animals Involved in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-11, October.
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