Abstract
Feral cats that are roaming outside can serve as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens, negatively impacting public health. They may experience high levels of parasitic infection. Some gastrointestinal protozoa and microsporidia possessing zoonotic potential in cats include Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Toxoplasma gondii. Here, we show the infection rates and risk factors of intestinal protozoa and microsporidia detected from shelter cats on Jeju Island in South Korea in 2020. Among 158 cats, we detected genes for five internal protozoa and microsporidia, namely, Cryptosporidium felis (0.6%), G. duodenalis (3.8%), Blastocystis sp. (0.6%), E. bieneusi (3.8%), and T. gondii (1.3%). Furthermore, 16 cats (10.1%) were PCR-positive for at least one protozoan or microsporidium. To our knowledge, this study is the first to describe the existence of C. felis, G. duodenalis assemblage F, Blastocystis sp. ST4 subtype, and E. bieneusi genotype Peru11 in cats in South Korea. Despite the small number of positive samples, this study expands our understanding of the incidence of zoonotic gastrointestinal protozoa and microsporidia in shelter cats and genetically characterizes the isolates found in the infected animals. Moreover, these findings emphasize the need for a better control strategy on protozoa and microsporidia in cats, tailored to their individual needs, to protect animal and public health.
Highlights
Cats can act as reservoirs for gastrointestinal pathogens, which may result in public health crises, negative economic results, and poor health in humans and animals [1]
This study showed that 10.1% of shelter cats were infected with at least one species of intestinal protozoa or microsporidia, and infection rates in the shelter cats in this study were lower than expected as per previous studies [6,8]
Were infected with at least one species of an intestinal pathogen compared to 33.2% of the household cats [8]
Summary
Cats can act as reservoirs for gastrointestinal pathogens, which may result in public health crises, negative economic results, and poor health in humans and animals [1]. Cats that are roaming outside can pollute the environment with fecal cysts, oocysts, spores, and eggs of pathogens that can infect animals and humans. Intestinal protozoa and microsporidia with zoonotic potential in cats include. Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Toxoplasma gondii. Humans obtain these pathogens through the intake of contaminated water or food (water- or food-borne transmission), exposure to infected animals (zoonotic transmission), or other humans (anthroponotic transmission) [2]. Whereas others are associated with chronic or acute diarrhea and other gastrointestinal sufferings in the host [3].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
