Immunocompromised Children and Young Patients Living with Pets: Gaps in Knowledge to Avoid Zoonosis

Background and Objectives. Although pets are known to be beneficial for children, they could also imply risks immunocompromised ones. We report the prevalence of children young patients living with in a cohort immunosuppressed pediatric describe risk behaviors acquiring zoonosis compliance veterinary recommendations. Methods. A cross-sectional, observational study was performed large tertiary hospital Madrid, including from different regions Spain. The participants were asked complete an online questionnaire. Results. Two hundred eighty-four responses received: 62.3% solid organ transplantation (177/284), 22.8% hematopoietic stem cell (65/284), 14.8% inborn errors immunity (42/284). median age 11 years (interquartile range 5.9–15.4), 55% boys (156/284). Up 45% (130/284) respondents lived 201 (74% them dogs cats). Half owning or cats did not comply at least one recommendations regarding vaccination, deworming, feeding, and/or veterinarian recommended controls. poorest findings related deworming regimens. Only 42.8% (117/273) received specific their healthcare professionals about companion animals. However, up 97% families considering pet so when professional contraindicate it (31/32), while 72% having got rid advised against animals (8/11). Conclusions. Pet ownership is frequent among children. They presented risky exposures zoonoses, basic frequently followed. opinion significantly influenced decision acquire pets, but less than half this regard.