Abstract
Cats are important hosts for different zoonotic including Toxocara, a group of parasitic roundworms known as ascarid nematodes. This study aimed to analyse the presence of T. cati in stray cats in Al-Anbar province. Iraq This is first study of this parasite in Al-Anbar province, which include the prevalence of T. cati in stray cats, as well as molecular study. This study was conducted on 50 stray cats, were examined clinically, the signs were recorded for each animal, as well as the collection of faecal samples to detect the eggs of parasite under microscope, and molecular examinations. Blood samples also examined to know the effect of parasite on blood cells, especially the eosinophils. Our results recognized the prevalence of infection was 48% when the molecular method was used, and 40% when the microscopy method was used. Clinically, the infected cats with signs were 4 (8%) from the total sick animals, as well as the same percentage appeared in haematological examination (the eosinophilia). However, in Al-Anbar cities, T. cati is highly prevalent among stray cats. In order to eradicate the T. cati parasite from the region's stray cat population, efficient methods for doing so need to be devised, and public education on animal and human health should also be stressed.
Published Version
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