Abstract
BackgroundGiardia duodenalis is a widespread protozoan parasite affecting humans and many species of animals, including dogs and cats. Due to its zoonotic potential, it is important to know the frequency of this parasite in companion animals. The aim of this study was to determine current epidemiological status of G. duodenalis in household dogs and cats.MethodsIn this study, 293 fecal samples from pet dogs and cats were collected from January 2017 to July 2019 and tested for G. duodenalis by PCR (using β-giardin gene). The animals were divided into groups depending on their age, breed and fecal consistency.ResultsThe examination allowed for detection of G. duodenalis in 6.0% of canine and 3.9% of feline fecal samples. The highest frequency was revealed in young (under one-year old) dogs. Sequencing confirmed the presence of assemblages C and D in dogs and A and F in cats.ConclusionThe study showed current frequency of G. duodenalis in dogs and cats and also revealed the occurrence of host-specific assemblages as well as zoonotic assemblage A.
Highlights
Dogs and cats are intimate companion animals of humans
The aim of this study was to run a molecular detection of G. duodenalis in fecal samples and to assess its overall frequency broken into frequency of each genotype in household dogs and cats from Poland
A total of 293 fresh fecal samples were obtained between January 2017 and July 2019 from individual, randomly chosen household dogs (217 samples) and cats (76 samples) living in different regions of Poland
Summary
Dogs and cats are intimate companion animals of humans. Despite numerous advantages of having a pet, close contact between humans and dogs or cats can result in zoonotic diseases. Giardia duodenalis is a widespread protozoan parasite affecting humans and many species of animals, including dogs and cats. Due to its zoonotic potential, it is important to know the frequency of this parasite in companion animals. The aim of this study was to determine current epidemiological status of G. duodenalis in household dogs and cats. Methods In this study, 293 fecal samples from pet dogs and cats were collected from January 2017 to July 2019 and tested for G. duodenalis by PCR (using β-giardin gene). Conclusion The study showed current frequency of G. duodenalis in dogs and cats and revealed the occurrence of hostspecific assemblages as well as zoonotic assemblage A
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