Risk of infection via animal bite with HIV or Hepatitis C
January 13, 2010 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Olaf Stephan
Dear Sir or Madam,
In October 2009, I bought a golden hamster. Unfortunately, it has bitten me twice already. Could the hamster have infected me with Hepatitis C or HIV through this bite, as I do not know who else it may have bitten before me? Or is an animal not a possible transmitter? I would greatly appreciate a response.
Dear Inquirer,
I can answer your question very clearly and briefly - Hepatitis C and HIV are very host-specific viruses, they cannot be transmitted to animals or by animals. The only possible route of transmission is from human to human through the exchange of body secretions, the viruses are not viable outside the human body. The only known exception with HIV are chimpanzees. Therefore, you cannot get Hepatitis or HIV from bites from your hamster, no matter who the animal has bitten before.
On a side note, handling animals, whether big or small, should always be done carefully and respectfully to avoid irritating or frightening the animal. In case of bite injuries, whether by animal or human, there is usually a significant risk of infection of the wound by germs from the mouth and throat, especially in meat-eaters and omnivores. Furthermore, an effective tetanus protection should always be in place!!!
Best regards,
Olaf Stephan
... Are you also interested in this question? 
