Prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasitic infections of cats and efficacy of antiparasitics against these infections in Mymensingh sadar, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Gastro-intestinal parasitic infections in cats is a major concern for public health as they have zoonotic importance. The present research was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasitic infection in cats in different areas of Mymensingh Sadar between December, 2018 to May, 2019.

Methods: The fecal samples were examined by simple sedimentation and stoll’s ova counting method for detection of eggs/cysts/oocysts of parasites.The efficacy of antiparasitics against the parasitic infections in cats was evaluated.

Results: The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 62.9% (39/62) and the mixed parasitic infection was 20.9% (13/62). The prevalence of  Toxocara cati  and Ancylostoma tubaeforme infections were 17.7% and 6.5%, respectively. The prevalence of Taenia pisiformis infection was 3.22%. However, the prevalence of Isospora felis, Toxoplasma gondii and  Balantidium coli infections were 4.8%, 3.2% and 6.5%. The prevalence of infection was significantly (P<0.008) higher in kitten than that in adult cat. The efficacy of albendazole, fenbendazole against single helminth infection was 100%. However, the efficacy of the drug was reduced against mixed helminth infection. The efficacy of metronidazole, pyrimithamine plus sulfadoxine was 100% against single protozoa infection but the efficacy of the drug was reduced against mixed protozoal infection.

Conclusions: Kittens should be dewormed with effective anthelmintics as they are more vulnerable to parasitic diseases. The T. cati, A.  tubaeforme, T. gondii prevalent in cats are zoonotic and owners awareness need to be increased to prevent human infections.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33109/bjvmjd2020sam1