Answered by SecondMedic Expert
General Physician · Infectious Disease
Yes, there are several infectious causes of steatorrhea that can cross species boundaries. For example, Cryptosporidium is a parasite found in both animals and humans which has been known to cause steatorrhea. This organism has been found in cattle, sheep, goats and swine as well as in dogs and cats. It is shed in their feces and can be transmitted to people through contaminated food or water, contact with the feces of an infected animal or person, inhalation of aerosolized droplets from an infected individual's stool or respiratory system or direct contact with infected mucus membranes.
The other major cause of steatorrhea that can cross species boundaries is Giardia lamblia which is a microscopic protozoan parasite commonly found in domestic animals such as rodents and birds but also infects humans too. Just like Cryptosporidium it’s spread by contaminated food or water but since this type of organism doesn’t need bodily fluids to stay alive it can also linger on surfaces for long periods until making its way into the intestine where it thrives off bile salts creating diarrhea (which includes fatty stools).
There are a few other parasites known to jump between animals and humans causing gastrointestinal symptoms such as Blastocystis hominis though this particular one isn’t highly connected with steatorrhea yet still warrants mentioning due to its zoonotic potential. So although uncommon there are certain infections capable enough to move between our own species along with any other types living closeby leading them down similar pathways towards similar illnesses – thus yes there definitely are infectious causes for Steatorrhaea crossing over ecological boundaries!
