Caracterización bacteriana de microbiota bacilar en la mucosa oral de adultos mayores y sus felinos

Abstract

Objectives: To characterize the oral microbiota of older adults and their felines as a possible source of transmission of pathogens causing zoonosis in older adult residents of the city of Bucaramanga during the second period of 2024. Content: Felines have become an important companion for the elderly, so much so that they share food, sleep in the same space, generating direct contact with fluids and feces during the cleaning of their litter box, therefore, it is a source of cross-contamination between the two species. Methodology: A descriptive observational cross-sectional study was carried out with 20 humans and their pet. An instrument on sociodemographic variables and care characteristics was applied. An informed consent validated by the ethics committee was signed, then a sample of human and feline oral mucosa was taken for the characterization of microorganisms by Gram stain and biochemical tests. A univariate statistical analysis plan was carried out to record absolute frequencies and percentages of the categorical variables, using the statistical package Stata version 14. Results: The study showed that 75% of the older adult population did not know about zoonotic diseases and about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene of their pets, did not use protective elements for cleaning the litter box and did not frequently deworm the feline, increasing the risk of transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. Discussion: (Álvarez, et al., 2021), evidenced zoonosis risk factors when comparing responsible practices versus those that were performed inadequately. Conclusions: Regarding the relationship between oral microbiota of older adults and their felines, no significant association was evidenced between the microorganisms present in the oral microbiota of both species. However, the most prevalent microorganism in humans and their pets was Bacillus sp with 34.8%.