Toxascaris Research Articles

The prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs from shelters in Constanța County-Romania

This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in shelter dogs from Constanța, a southeastern county from Romania. In order to assess, in 2022 and 2023, individual and pooled fecal samples, were collected from 611 dogs from 9 shelters. Fecal samples were examined using standard flotation and sedimentation methods. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 74.63%. Eggs of hookworms (Ancylostoma sp. An Uncinaria sp.) were the most frequently detected (55.97%), followed by Cystoisospora sp. (31.91%), Trichuris vulpis (27.33%), Toxocara canis (21.27%), %), Capillaria sp. (2.78%) and Toxascaris leonina (1.96%). Cases of single infestation were found in 217 (35.51%) of the tested dogs. Mixed infestations with two or more species of parasites were observed in 239 samples, representing 39.11% of the total samples analyzed. These results will be useful for establishing health care programs in dog shelters and for implementing effective strategies in controlling the intestinal parasites, in order to restrain the spread of zoonotic parasites and to raise awareness of their impact on public health.

Detection of zoonotic enteropathogens in captive large felids in Italy.

Within the One Health paradigm, infectious disease surveillance have been developed for domestic and wild animals, leaving the role of captive non-domestic populations, especially felids in zoos and circuses, less explored. This study addresses the proximity of these captive animals to urban areas, necessitating focused monitoring for potential zoonotic enteropathogens. The present work aimed to investigate the presence of such zoonotic enteropathogens in faecal samples from captive large felid populations. A total of 108 faecal samples were collected in three circuses, five zoos and one rescue centre across Italy. Salmonella spp. isolation, serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were conducted on all samples. Additionally, 60 samples were also examined for gastrointestinal parasites using standard coprological techniques. Giardia spp. detection employed direct immunofluorescent staining and specific PCR, while Toxoplasma gondii was detected using PCR targeting B1 gene. A total of 51 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica were isolated, with predominant serovariants including Infantis (43.1%), Coeln (11.8%) and Newport (11.8%). The captive felids likely act as asymptomatic carriers of foodborne Salmonella, with notable resistance ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, no resistance to enrofloxacin was noted. Microscopic analysis revealed Toxascaris leonina eggs in 11 faecal samples (18.3%) and Giardia duodenalis cysts in one animal (1.7%). Captive animals in public settings may act as sources of Salmonella infection and enteroparasitosis for both occupational and general exposure. The study emphasizes the role of captive animals in antimicrobial resistance dynamics, highlighting the need for routine pathogen screening in the management practices of zoological structures.

Toxascaris leonina infected domestic cat (Felis catus) in Egypt; PCR-based molecular characterization of nematode eggs: a potential hazards to human health.

This molecular-epidemiological study was conducted in several locations in Cairo and Giza Governorates in domestic cats (Felis catus) to detect the most common intestinal helminths in feces and molecularly characterize this nematode. So, three hundred domestic cats were admitted to different clinics around Cairo and Giza Governorates with severe diarrhea, even watery, between January 2023 and April 2023. The ages of the cats ranged from 1 to 2.5years old. Blood, sera, and urine samples were collected for further investigation of the health condition of the animals. Toxascaris leonina was the major intestinal parasite found in cat stools, with a prevalence rate of 5% (15 cats). Toxascaris leonina (T. leonina) eggs had oval elliptical surfaces and thick cuticles. An embryo was located inside the smooth outer shell wall of the shell. The animals suffer from normocytic normochromic anemia with leukocytosis, relative lymphocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. The amplification of the ITS-rDNA region from the ascaridoid nematodes was successfully performed using NC5 and NC2 primers. The PCR product of the ITS-rDNA fragment was sequenced and yielded 860bp. The accession number of the sequenced ITS-rDNA region was OQ735413, submitted to Gene Bank, and based on the blast analysis of NCBI, the current ascaridoid nematode proved to be genetically related to the family Ascarididae and identified as T. leonina.

Distribution of ecto- and endoparasites in cats of Kharkiv Region

The purpose of the work was to determine the distribution of various ecto- and endoparasites of the gastrointestinal tract that infect cats of the urban and rural populations of the Kharkiv region for the first time. Studies on ecto- and endoparasites were conducted in 177 cats of the urban population, of which 112 were domestic cats and 65 homeless animals and 98 cats of the rural population of the Kharkiv region in the period from March to July 2023. Data were collected on the location, age and sex of the animals and additionally (in the case of private animals) on anti-parasitic treatment. In 275 examined cats, 5 different ecto- and endoparasites were detected with prevalence ranging from 7.1% to 32.3%. Ctenocephalides felis was registered in 7.1% of domestic cats, 29.2% of homeless cats of the urban populations and 18.4% of cats of the rural populations. Infestation with Otodectes cynotis ear mites was highest in stray cats (32.3%), while cats from the rural populations had a lower infestation rate of 9.9% and pets from the urban populations — 14.4%. In homeless cats of the urban populations, eggs of helminths Toxascaris leonina (29.2%) and Uncinaria stenocephala (18.5%) were recorded the most. The prevalence of Toxascaris leonina in domestic cats of urban and rural populations was almost at the same level — 18.8% and 19.4%, respectively. Taenia taeniaeformis was recorded in stray cats from urban (3.1%) and rural (6.1%) populations. Taenia eggs were not detected in domestic cats of the urban populations. The total infestation endo- and ectoparasites of domestic cats in the urban populations was 52.7%, in the rural populations — 77.6%, while the infestation of homeless cats was 100%

Gray wolves as sentinels for the presence of Echinococcus spp. and other gastrointestinal parasites in France

Over the past 30 years, the gray wolf population has recovered in France, initially to wolves from Italy passing through the Alps. The population is carefully monitored, but little information is available on their helminth fauna, which includes parasites of public health importance: Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Capitalizing on the availability of 911 fecal samples collected for the noninvasive genetic monitoring of French wolf populations, along with the intestines from 15 dead wolves, the presence of Echinococcus species among others helminth species was evaluated in French wolves. A copro-PCR approach amplifying a large spectrum of parasites was used for fecal samples while intestines were analyzed using SCT. The fecal occurrences of E. granulosus sensu stricto (2.4%) and E. multilocularis (0.3%), and indeedother parasitic species, are similar to those of other European wolf populations including Taenia hydatigena (7.2%), Taenia krabbei (2.4%), Uncinaria stenocephala (2.4%), Mesocestoides litteratus (1.9%), Taenia ovis (0.3%), Taenia multiceps (0.1%), and Toxascaris leonina (0.1%). The three most abundant species were also found in the intestines. Infections by E. granulosus sensu stricto are in accordance with the overlap of wolf pack areas and sheep breeding pastoral units. However, the wolf does not appear to play a significant role in the lifecycle of E. granulosus sensu stricto. The availability of this opportunistic fecal sampling of wolves in southeastern France means that they can be used as sentinels for the surveillance of E. multilocularis in the context of its southward expansion observed in recent years.

Prevalence and public health relevance of enteric parasites in domestic dogs and cats in the region of Madrid (Spain) with an emphasis on Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium sp.

Pet dogs and cats exert an unquestionable beneficial effect in the well-being of their owners, but can also act as a source of zoonotic infections if improperly cared. We investigated the occurrence, risk factors, genetic variability and zoonotic potential of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats attended in a clinical veterinary setting in Spain. Canine (n = 252) and feline (n = 35) faecal samples were collected during 2017-2019 and analysed by coproparasitological methods. A rapid lateral immunochromatographic test (ICT) was used for detecting Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium sp. Samples positive at microscopy examination and/or ICT were reassessed by molecular methods. Overall, 48.8% (123/252) of dogs and 48.6% (17/35) of cats were infected by enteric parasites. In dogs, G. duodenalis was the most prevalent species (40.9%), followed by Cystoisospora sp. (7.1%), and Toxocara canis (5.2%). In cats, Joyeuxiella sp. and Toxocara cati were the dominant species (20.0% each), followed by G. duodenalis (14.3%), D. caninum (5.7%) and Cystoisospora felis and Toxascaris leonina (2.9% each). Pups and kittens were more likely to harbour intestinal parasites and develop clinical signs. Sequence analyses of dog isolates revealed the presence of assemblages A (n = 1), C (n = 4), D (n = 4) and C+D (n = 1) within G. duodenalis; C. parvum (n = 1) and C. canis (n = 4) within Cryptosporidium and PtEb IX (n = 1) in Enterocytozoon bieneusi. A novel C. canis subtype family, named XXi, is reported. Our results highlight that (i) well-cared dogs carry zoonotic enteric protozoan parasites of public health relevance, (ii) proper hygiene practices and routine veterinary treatment are essential to prevent zoonotic infections, (iii) vulnerable populations should avoid contact with pups/kittens with diarrhoea and (iv) infected dogs might be major contributors to the environmental contamination with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) eggs.

Presence of Echinococcus granulosussensulato in the endoparasitic fauna of feral dogs in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

The feral dog population from Tierra del Fuego (Argentina) has affected provincial sheep production, and is responsible for the decrease of 43% of the sheep stock. In addition, feral dogs preys on the native fauna, especially the guanaco (Lama guanicoe), a species protected by law. Except for some data on the aforementioned impact, very little is known about feral dogs features in this region, such as distribution, abundance, diet, reproduction, health status, among others. Therefore, a descriptive observational study was carried out in the period 2018-2021 in Tierra del Fuego, with the aim to recognize the endoparasitic fauna of these dogs, with emphasis on Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.). Feces samples were collected from 83 feral dogs captured in 15 farms, which were evaluated using flotation and sedimentation coproparasitological techniques, and optical microscope observation. These qualitative methods showed that 66.3% of the samples were positive. Nine parasitic forms were found, including eggs of taenids, Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina, and Sarcocystis spp. oocysts and Giardia spp. cysts. Samples with more than one parasitic form were also observed, among which the Taenia/Sarcocystis spp. association was the most frequent. For the diagnosis of canine echinococcosis, the detection of Echinococcus spp. antigens by Copro-ELISA and the molecular confirmation by Copro-PCR were performed. The Copro-ELISA test was positive in 10/80 (12.5%) of the samples processed, while 11 samples (13.8%) were positive by Copro-PCR. Their distribution showed that 9 (81.8%) corresponded to farms with sheep farming, and 2 (18.2%) with cattle farming. The presence of E. granulosus s.l. in feral dogs from Tierra del Fuego is the most relevant finding in this study. These results confirm that feral dogs have access to viscera infected with hydatid cysts. However, the intermediate hosts involved (sheep, cattle or guanacos) should be investigated. Its impact on the transmission of cystic echinococcosis in this region should be evaluated, as well as the adequacy of the disease prevention and control actions implemented in Tierra del Fuego should be considered. Finally, the existence of a wild cycle of the disease should be evaluated, in which feral dogs would act as a source of infection for other animals and humans.

Gastrointestinal helminths of stray dogs in Erzurum province: Prevalence and risk to public health

Dogs play an important role in public health due to their close contact with humans. This study aimed to investigate the presence and prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in stray dogs in Erzurum province. Gastrointestinal helminth eggs were detected in 190 out of 446 (42.6%) dog fecal samples collected in Erzurum. More specifically, taeniid eggs (17.71%, 79/446), Toxocara canis (16.82%, 75/446), Toxascaris leonina (12.78%, 57/446), Linguatula spp. (4.48%, 20/446), Alaria spp. (2.91%, 13/446), hookworms (2.69%, 12/446), spiny-headed worms (1.12%, 5/446), and Trichuris spp. (0.22%, 1/446) eggs were identified. These findings indicate zoonotic parasites to be common in stray dogs in Erzurum. The public health risk associated with the presence of these zoonotic parasites can be reduced through the regular deworming of stray dogs, the prevention of environmental contamination with dog feces, and the adequate enforcement of sanitation protocols.

Dogs as a source for the spreading of enteric parasites including zoonotic ones in Giza Province, Egypt

To investigate the impact of domestic and stray dogs on the transmission of zoonotic and other parasites to humans in contact with them, fecal samples were collected from 80 domestic dogs that presented at a clinic with health disturbances and 220 randomly selected stray dogs housed in shelters. The parasitological examination of these samples revealed infection by six zoonotic and four non-zoonotic parasites in varying percentages. The zoonotic parasites included Ancylostoma caninum, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Echinococcus granulosus, Cryptosporidium species, and Giardia cysts and trophozoites. The other parasites included Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, Taenia species eggs, and Isospora canis oocysts. The infection rate was higher in stray dogs (60%) than in domestic dogs (40%). Infected dogs in both groups were generally unhealthy, with poor body condition recorded in 13.8% of domestic dogs and 63.6% of stray dogs. The infection rate was higher (92%) among shelter workers than among domestic dog owners (66.7%). Giardia assemblages A and D from dogs and assemblage A from humans, as well as two isolates of Cryptosporidium canis (C. canis), one from dogs and the other from humans, were submitted in the GenBank with the accession numbers OQ870443, OQ870444, and OQ919265 for Giardia and OQ917532 & OQ915519 for C. canis of dogs & human, respectively. In conclusion, domestic and stray dogs play an essential role in transmitting zoonotic parasites to humans in contact with them, and regular deworming and strict hygienic measures are recommended to minimize their impact on human health.

Clinical experience with the use and efficacy evaluation of new Insacar Total C Plus for dogs and Insacar Total K Plus for cats

The purpose of the researchis to study the efficacy of new multicomponent drugs for dogs and cats against arachnoentomosis and helminthosis.Materials and methods. The efficacy of new four-component Insacar Total C Plus Drops for Dogs and Insacar Total K Plus Drops for Cats was studied on target animal species. The experiment included 90 dogs and 82 cats including 38 dogs and 37 cats with monoinfection by ticks (Sarcoptes canis,Demodex canis,Notoedres cati,Otodectes cynotis, family Ixodidae), 39 dogs and 31 cats with monoinfection by insects (Ctenocephalidessp.,Linognathus setosus, Trichodectes canis), 13 dogs and 14 cats with infection by helminths (Toxocara canis, T. cati, Toxascaris leonina, Taeniasp.), and 13 dogs and 10 cats with mixed infections. The drug was applied to the skin of the animals in dosages as specified in the instructions for use. The therapy effectiveness was monitored on days 14 and 28, and in case ofNotoedres catiandSarcoptes canis, on day 40.Results and discussion.The efficacy of multicomponent drugs against monoinfections with insects, ixodid ticks, ticks of the genus Demodex and helminths, as well as mixed infections of the dogs and cats was 100% in clinical studies. The efficacy in the cats with notoedric mange was 80%, and 83.4% in the dogs with sarcoptic mange. The advantage of four-component Insacar Total C Plus Drops for Dogs and Insacar Total K Plus Drops for Cats is the presence of several components, namely, imidacloprid, praziquantel, pyriproxyfen, and moxidectin. The unique combination of active ingredients ensures the efficacy of drugs against external and internal parasites including ixodid ticks, and preventive efficacy against entomosis and ixodid ticks for 30 days. The drops for dogs and cats are advisable against mixed infections.

Detection of Intestinal Parasites in Domestic Cats in Mosul City, Iraq

Gastrointestinal parasites are a major source of disease in cats in the tropics and are a major cause of public health problems in many parts of the world. This study was conducted to investigate the intestinal parasites of domestic cats and infection rates according to the age of the animal. Fifty fecal samples were collected from domestic cats in Mosul city during the period from October 2019 Until the end of January 2020. Eleven species of intestinal parasite were identified in the feces of domestic cats included three genera of Nematodes: Toxocara cati (16%), Toxascaris leonina (8%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (8%), two genera of Cestodes: Taenia caniforms (4%), Diphylobothrium latum (2%), one genus of the Trematodes: Schistosoma intercalatum (2%) and five species of intestinal protozoa: Isospora felis (32%), Isospora rivolta (28%), Cryptosporidium spp. (10%), Entamoeba coli (12%), Toxoplasma like oocyst (6%). The total infection with intestinal parasites was (64%). The highest rate of infection was Isospora felis (32%), followed by Isospora rivolta (28%). This is the first record of the Isospora genus in the Mosul city, also recorded in this study for the first time in Iraq, the infection of cats with the parasite Schistosoma intercalatum (2%) and the infection with Entamoeba coli (12%) is the first record in the Mosul city. No significant differences were observed in the infection rates with different parasites between the age groups of animals and between the types of infection with different species of intestinal parasites in domestic cats.

Risk factors associated with dog endoparasites infection spread in East Slovak Lowland.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of endoparasites in dog feces from public places, investigate the occurrence of endoparasites in soil, and identify potential risk factors associated with the dog endoparasites infection spread in East Slovak Lowland - the region near the EU border with Ukraine. In a one-year study, a total of 803 dog fecal samples and 148 soil samples from public places were examined for the presence of endoparasite developmental stages. In general, 43.59 % of dog excrements were positive. Six different species of intestinal parasites were detected: Toxocara canis (22.65 %), Trichuris vulpis (14.07 %), family Ancylostomatidae (10.09 %), Capillaria aerophilla (5.60 %), Ascaris spp. (1.49 %). Altogether, 52.03 % of soil samples were positive for at least one endoparasites species. The occurrence of parasitic eggs in the soil was as follows: Ascaris spp. (37.16 %), Toxocara spp. (29.05 %), Trichuris spp. (29.05 %) %), family Ancylostomatidae (2.03 %) and Toxascaris leonina (2.03 %). The occurrence of endoparasites between the towns and villages varied significantly. The distribution of endoparasites in dogs and soil was affected by the population density, the minority people living in the studied territory, the number of people living in poor hygienic conditions with limited access to drinking water and the usage of sewerage. Persisting endoparasitic contamination of the environment in East Slovak Lowland forms a reservoir with zoonotic potential representing public and environmental health problems.

Disease Surveillance of Cougars (Puma concolor) in Utah, USA.

Adult, free-ranging cougars (Puma concolor) were sampled in three regions of Utah, US, from 2018 to 2021. A total of 68% (23/34) of the sampled cougars had antibodies to feline parvovirus, 15% (5/33) to canine distemper virus, 18% (6/34) to calicivirus, and 22% (8/37) to Yersinia pestis. Forty-one percent (13/32) had IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and 6% (2/33) to feline immunodeficiency virus, and 3% (1/32) were positive for Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) antigen. All were seronegative for Toxoplasma gondii IgM, feline enteric coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, feline leukemia virus, feline herpesvirus, and Francisella tularensis. Tapeworms and Toxascaris leonina eggs were detected in the feces. The disease exposures detected were similar to what has been reported from cougar populations in other western US states, and the current level of exposures is unlikely to have a negative impact on the state's population.

THE PREVALENCE OF INVASIVE DISEASES AMONG CATS IN URALSK

The frequent spread of intestinal worms among carnivorous animals is found in a number of diseases that are dangerous to the human body. Intestinal worming infection rates are high among stray cats and dogs as well as domesticated animals. In the research work, studies were conducted to differentiate intestinal worming in cats brought in from micro-districts of Uralsk, West Kazakhstan region. The results of the studies determined the extent of intestinal worming among cats, their species composition, seasonal dynamics of infections and the level of the age of the disease. The city of Uralsk revealed a widespread of cat helminth infections. (IE- 36.1%). By intestinal helminth infestation, the primary toxocariasis Toxocara mystax) is 19,7%, and by spread toxocariasis (Toxascaris leonina) is 12,4%. The degree of the extensiveness of infestation, depending on the time of the year, was determined; it was found that in summer and autumn, the infestation reaches a high degree of extensiveness. It was found that intestinal worm infestation in cats is associated with age. Toxocariasis is more common in 6-month-old cats. And with age, the incidence of this worming disease decreases significantly. In cats over five years old, this worming disease is sporadic.

Environmental Toxocara spp. presence in crowded squares and public parks from San Juan Province, Argentina: A call for a "One Health" approach.

Canine soil-transmitted helminth (cSTH) parasites need specific environmental conditions to complete their life cycle. Toxocara canis and T. cati are the most important zoonotic cSTH, since they are the causal agents of human toxocariasis. Canine STHs are dispersed in feces from infected domestic and wildlife canines. In this study, the presence of STH in canine feces was evaluated in 34 crowded public parks and squares from San Juan Province (Argentina). Fecal samples were collected during different seasons in 2021-2022 and analyzed by standard coprological methods, including Sheather and Willis flotation and Telemann sedimentation. InfoStat 2020, OpenEpi V. 3.01 and R and RStudio® were used for statistical analysis and QGIS 3.16.10 for mapping. From a total of 1,121 samples collected, 100 (8.9%) were positive for at least one intestinal parasite (IP) and three cSTH species were detected: Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina and Trichuris vulpis. The most prevalent cSTH species was T. vulpis (64/1121; 0.057%), while the least prevalent was Toxocara spp. (19/1121; 0.017%). The detection of Toxocara spp. eggs was significantly different depending on the season. The geo-spatial variation of each cSTH per season is described. This is the first study in San Juan Province to identify environmental contamination of cSTHs in public areas. The specific localization of areas with the presence of cSTH eggs could provide information to guide strategies to reduce the cSTH infection burden in dogs and promote serological screening of the human population for Toxocara spp. Given the zoonotic nature of Toxocara spp. We hope this information will help to reinforce activities of control programs, focusing on the "One Health" approach.

Gastrointestinal Parasites of Dogs in Egypt: An Update on the Prevalence in Dakahlia Governorate and a Meta-Analysis for the Published Data from the Country.

Since the last survey on gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites infecting dogs in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt, was published 40 years ago, the present study detected various GIT parasites in feces of 78 stray dogs in this governorate. Twenty-one dogs (35.9%) had eggs/oocysts of eight different parasites including Toxocara canis (19.2%), Toxascaris leonina (2.6%), hookworms (1.3%), Taenia species (5.1%), Dipylidium caninum (2.6%), Cystoisospora canis (5.1%), Cystoisospora ohioensis (2.6%), and Neospora caninum-like oocysts (1.3%). These results were combined in various meta-analyses with findings of all published surveys on GIT parasites of dogs in Egypt to underline the potential parasitic zoonoses from dogs in the country. Feces and/or gastrointestinal tracts of 19,807 dogs from various Egyptian governorates, but particularly Cairo, have been microscopically tested in 182 datasets published between 1938 and 2022, revealed during our systematic database search. Toxocara canis, interestingly, displayed a twofold higher pooled prevalence (24.7%) when compared to the published global pooled prevalence for T. canis, indicating that dogs represent a major risk for toxocariasis in humans from Egypt. Dipylidium caninum (25.4%) as well as various Taenia species (17.1%) also displayed high pooled prevalences. On the contrary, lower pooled prevalence was estimated for the most important zoonotic taeniid "Echinococcus granulosus" (2.4%) as well as for hookworms (1.8%) in comparison to what has been published from other countries in the region. Relatively high prevalences were estimated for three protozoa detected in dogs and are common to infect children in Egypt; Cryptosporidium (5.5%), Giardia (7.4%), and Entamoeba histolytica (9.8%). In general, the pooled prevalence estimated for various parasites detected in dogs from Egypt has decreased in the recent years, sometimes by as much as one-fifth, but this great decline is statistically insignificant, which should alert the veterinary and public health authorities to continue their efforts for controlling these parasites in a "One Health" approach.

Prevalence and Distribution of Endoparasites in Carnivorous Primates from Thrissur Zoological Garden

The animals selected for the endoparasitic observation are four species of carnivorous mammals specifically, Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) and Indian jackal (Canis aureus indicus) that have been captivated in Thrissur zoo. By using direct smear inspection, conventional sedimentation, and flotation procedures, the faecal samples were subjected to a thorough routine parasitological study to determine the presence of parasite eggs and oocysts. The current analysis revealed that helminth and protozoan parasites infest four species of carnivorous mammals. Ancylostoma, Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara, Strongyle type and the trematode eggs of the species of Paragonimus as well as the coccidian genera Isospora of protozoa, were all observed to be abundant in the gastro intestinal tract of chosen mammals as a result of the study. By statistical analysis, according to the most recent observations it is noticed thatToxocara makes upon 25% of wild mammals, and any of the parasites infects 60% of wild mammals.

Gastrointestinal parasites of wild carnivores from conservation institutions in the Cerrado of Goiás, Brazil.

Increased interaction between wild and urban environments owing to human population growth, increased anthropization of biomes, and habitat loss for wild animals increases the spread of infectious and parasitic agents. The present study reports on the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in carnivorous mammals at two conservation institutions in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Fecal samples from 39 adult carnivores were collected after spontaneous defecation and analyzed by flotation and sedimentation. The structure and management data of each institution were recorded. Parasitism prevalence, binomial confidence intervals (CI) at 95%, variables associated with the presence of contact animals, size of the enclosure and type of food were recorded. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the samples analyzed was 71.8% (CI 55.1-83.0; 28/39). Ancylostomatidae, Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina, Strongyloides spp., Calodium hepaticum, and Trematoda eggs, and Cystoisospora spp. oocysts were detected. Environmental conditions were not correlated with parasitism prevalence; however, the parasites found could be managed, considering their biology, such as controlling synanthropic and domestic animals in captivity, feeding with healthy feed.

Epidemiological Survey on Gastrointestinal and Pulmonary Parasites in Cats Around Toulouse (France).

Various feline parasites are potentially zoonotic thus establishing factors associated with parasitism is of animal and public health interest. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of endoparasites in client-owned cats, living in the area of Toulouse, France, over the period 2015 - 2017, and to investigate possible risk factors. A total of 498 faecal samples from cats of the University Animal Hospital of Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse were analysed, 448 from cats presented for consultation and 50 at post-mortem. Analysis was performed using a commercial flotation enrichment method with a hypersaturated sodium chloride solution and Baermann technique. Further examination of the gastrointestinal tract contents was conducted on necropsied cats. Overall, 11.6 % of cats were positive for endoparasites; 50 (11.2 %) consultation cases and 8 (16 %) post-mortem cases, with no significant difference in prevalence between the groups. Amongst infected cats, most were infected by a single species of parasite and 10.3 % (n=6) were infected with two or more. The most common parasite was Toxocara cati with a prevalence of 9.4 % (n=47). Other endoparasites encountered were: Cystoisospora sp 1.0 % (n=5), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus 1.0 % (n=5), Strongyloides sp 0.6 % (n=3), Dipylidium caninum 0.4 % (n=2), Aonchotheca putorii 0.2 % (n=1), Ancylostomatidae 0.2 % (n=1) and Toxascaris leonina 0.2 % (n=1). The examination of the gastronintestinal tract contents of the necropsied cats revealed Mesocestoides sp 0.4 % (n=2) and Tænia (Hydatigera) tæniaeformis sensu lato 0.2 % (n=1) which are seldomly diagnosed by flotation methods. In this study, increasing age and neutered status were statistically associated with reduced odds of infection by endoparasites (helminth and coccidian). Predictors of significantly increased risk included being male, intact, and not receiving regular anthelmintic treatment. The same risk factors were highlighted specifically for Toxocara cati infections, with rural location being an additional risk factor for infection.

Gastrointestinal parasites of cats in Egypt: high prevalence high zoonotic risk

BackgroundSeveral gastrointestinal parasites that infect cats pose potential health threats for humans and animals. The present study is the first to report gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites in feces of stray cats from Gharbia governorate, Egypt. Findings were combined with those published in the earlier surveys from various Egyptian governorates, and various meta-analyses were conducted to underline the parasitic zoonoses from cats in Egypt.ResultsOut of 143 samples tested in Gharbia, 75 (52.4%) were found infected with 13 different parasites. Co-infections were observed in 49.3% of positives. Several parasites were detected, e.g., Toxocara cati (30.0%), Toxascaris leonina (22.4%), hookworms (8.4%), taeniids (4.2%), Strongyloides spp. (2.1%), Physaloptera spp. (2.1%), Alaria spp. (1.4%) and Dipylidium caninum (0.7%). Opisthorchis-like eggs were found in a single sample being the first report from cats in Africa. Oocysts of 4 coccidian parasites were identified, and a few Toxoplasma gondii-like oocysts were detected in 2 samples (1.4%). Results of the meta-analysis illustrated that occurrence of T. gondii oocysts in feces of cats from Egypt may have been overestimated in earlier studies; 1432 cats have been tested and displayed a 5 times higher pooled prevalence (11.9%) than the published global pooled prevalence for T. gondii oocysts in cats. This overestimation might have occurred because some small-sized oocysts that belong to other coccidian parasites were mis-identified as T. gondii. Toxocara cati had a high pooled prevalence (22.5%) in cats from Egypt, which is even greater than the published pooled prevalence in cats globally; however, several reports from Egypt have neglected the role of T. cati in human toxocarosis. Dipylidium caninum displayed also a high prevalence (26.7%).ConclusionSeveral zoonotic parasite species have been found in stray cats from Egypt, raising concerns about the risks to the Egyptian human population as well as environmental contamination. Prompt surveillance supervised by the government and accompanied by data dissemination will be helpful for developing effective control strategies.