Understanding the Transmission Risk of Bacterial Infections Between Therapy Dogs and Kids with Cancer

Researchers will determine whether two common pathogens that cause hospitalassociated infections, Clostridium difficile and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, can be transferred between assistance therapy dogs and children with cancer who are undergoing outpatient treatment. They also will investigate whether commercial veterinary skin products can reduce transmission rates of these pathogens. The goal of this study is to improve the health of working dogs and their “patients” by reducing bacterial infection risks.