Prevalence and genetic characterization of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in cats from Italy

Occurrence of Giardia duodenalis in Cats from Queretaro and the Risk to Public Health

Giardia is a protozoan that affects humans as well as a wide range of domestic species. It is distributed worldwide, and the highest frequency is seen in developing countries. Due to the potential for domestic cats to be carriers of this parasite and subsequently transmit the infection to humans, it is important to know the risk of transmission. For this reason, the objective of this study was to determine the frequency of this parasite in the cat population of the city of Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico, and identify the assemblages present to determine the role this host plays in public health, this being the first study of its type to be performed in the country. This was a cross-sectional study during which 200 fecal samples were collected from cats of both sexes and varying ages and strata of origin. The samples were analyzed by microscopy following the flotation technique, having obtained a general frequency of 25%. Giardia cysts were found at higher frequency in pasty stools. The assemblages found were zoonotic, specifically assemblage A, which suggests that the cat poses an important risk for the dissemination of the parasite to humans, making it an important public health problem.

Molecular identification of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Blastocystis from stray and household cats and cat owners in Tehran, Iran

Cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, and blastocystosis are among the most important parasitic diseases common between humans and cats. In addition, there are concerns about the possible transmission of zoonotic parasites from infected cats to humans. Hence, we investigated the molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. in stray and household cats and cat owners. Our study was performed on 132, 33, and 33 fecal samples of stray and household cats, as well as cat owners in Tehran, Iran. Cryptosporidium spp. was identified using a nested PCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA) and sequencing the internal amplified fragments. Furthermore, to perform multilocus genotyping of G. duodenalis, the ß-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes were amplified to assess the DNA of G. duodenalis in the fecal samples of cats and cat owners. In addition, Blastocystis was detected by targeting the SSU rRNA gene, and the subtypes of Blastocystis were determined via the sequencing of amplicons. Cryptosporidium felis and Cryptosporidium canis were detected in seven stray cats (5.3%) and one household cat (3%). The bg gene of G. duodenalis was amplified and successfully sequenced in two (1.5%) stray cats and revealed assemblages F and B of G. duodenalis. Sequencing and phylogenic analysis of SSU rRNA gene nucleotide sequences of Blastocystis detected ST5 and ST10 in stray cats (1.5%), ST1 in household cats (9.1%), and ST1, ST2, ST3, and ST7 in owners (30.3%). The low prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Blastocystis in cats and the presence of species/assemblages/subtypes with limited zoonotic potential indicate that cats had a minor role in their owners' infection in the investigated population. However, the presence of zoonotic protozoa in cats suggests the necessity of special attention to high-risk individuals during close contact with cats. Therefore, it is recommended that veterinarians, physicians, and urban managers plan to prevent, control, or treat these parasites to help the urban community live healthily alongside cats.

Giardia duodenalis in colony stray cats from Italy

Giardia duodenalis is the most common intestinal protozoan in humans and animals worldwide, including eight morphologically identical assemblages, infecting pets, livestock, wildlife and human beings. Assemblages A and B are those with the higher zoonotic potential, and they have been detected in several mammals other than humans; the others (C to H) show a higher host specificity. Cats can harbour both the specific Assemblage F and the zoonotic ones A and B. Several studies have been carried out on G. duodenalis genotypes in cats; however, the role of this species in the epidemiology of giardiasis is still poorly understood. In this scenario, the present study carried out the detection and genetic characterization at sub‐assemblage level of G. duodenalis from colony stray cats in central Italy. In the period 2018–2019, 133 cat faecal samples were analysed for the presence of G. duodenalis cysts by a direct immunofluorescence assay. Positive samples were subsequently subjected to molecular analyses for assemblage/sub‐assemblage identification. Forty‐seven samples (35.3%) were positive for G. duodenalis cysts by immunofluorescence. G. duodenalis DNA was amplified at SSU‐rDNA locus from 39 isolates: 37 were positive for zoonotic Assemblage A and 2 showed a mixed infection (A + B). Positive results for the β‐giardin gene were achieved for 25 isolates. Sequence analysis revealed 16 isolates belonging to Sub‐assemblage AII and 8 to Sub‐assemblage AIII. One isolate resulted as ambiguous AI/AIII. Large sequence variability at the sub‐assemblage level was detected, with several double peaks and mutations, making complex a proper isolate allocation. When compared with previous studies, the 35.3% prevalence of G. duodenalis in cats reported in the present article was surprisingly high. Moreover, all positive cats resulted to be infected with zoonotic assemblages/sub‐assemblages, thus indicating stray cats as a possible source of human giardiasis and highlighting the sanitary relevance of cat colonies in the study area.

The global prevalence and risk factors of Cryptosporidium infection among cats during 1988-2021: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cryptosporidiosis is an important zoonosis caused by Cryptosporidium. This disease causes a global public health problem. The cat is considered to be one of the potential hosts for transmitting Cryptosporidium to humans. In this study, a global meta-analysis for Cryptosporidium infection in cats was performed. The articles related to Cryptosporidium infection in cats were systematically searched in databases China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang data, VIP Chinese Journal Database, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Finally, 92 articles published from 1988 to 2021, which met the criteria of systematic review and meta-analysis, were collected. During the selected period, the overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium among cats was identified to be 6.0%. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium detected by microscopy, coproantigens, and molecular biology methods were 4.2%, 8.2%, and 5.0%, respectively. Among 9 species/genotypes (C. felis, C. parvum, C. muris, Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV, C. baileyi, C. ryanae, C. hominis, Cryptosporidium sp. rat genotype III and most closely related to Cryptosporidium sp. rat genotype III), the prevalence of C. parvum (4.2%) was significantly higher than that of other species/genotypes. Among five continents, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in Africa (30.5%) was significantly higher than in other continents. We also analyzed the effects of different geographical factors (longitude, latitude, altitude, mean temperature, precipitation, and humidity) on Cryptosporidium infection among cats. The results showed that cryptosporidiosis was common in cats all over the world. This systematic review and meta-analysis has systematically introduced the global epidemiology of Cryptosporidium in cats and correlated risk factors. Health authorities, doctors, veterinarians and cat owners' awareness of the prevalence, risk factors and complications of Cryptosporidium are important for the development of effective prevention strategies for cryptosporidiosis.

Companion animals as a potential source of Giardia intestinalis infection in humans in the Czech Republic - A pilot study

Giardia intestinalis is a common enteric single-celled parasite infecting both humans and animals. Its eight morphologically identical but genetically distinct groups called assemblages differ from each other in host range. While assemblages A and B infect a wide range of hosts, including humans, the other assemblages (C to H) limit their host preferences to particular animal groups only. In companion animals as Giardia hosts, genotyping data have previously shown various results depending on pet species, location, environmental or breeding conditions, and the study design. To strengthen available epidemiological data from developed countries and to evaluate the role of pets in Giardia zoonotic transmission, we investigated Giardia-positive stool samples of three pet species (54 dogs, 18 cats, and 18 chinchillas) by a sequence-based analysis of three Giardia genes (β-giardin, glutamate dehydrogenase and triose phosphate isomerase). In dog samples, we confirmed assemblage C (21/54), assemblage D (32/54), and one case of a mixed infection C + D (1/54). In cats, we found assemblage F (16/18) and assemblage A, specifically sub-assemblage AI (2/18). All Giardia samples from chinchillas were characterised as assemblage B, specifically sub-assemblage BIV (18/18). These results indicate that in the Czech Republic, pet dogs may not represent a source of Giardia infection for humans because of the presence of only canid-specific genotypes C and D. In contrast, other pets, namely, chinchillas and, to a lesser extent, cats, may pose a potential risk of Giardia transmission to owners or breeders because they can host zoonotic Giardia genotypes.

Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections in Danish cats: risk factors and zoonotic potential

Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections are common in cats, but knowledge is limited about their clinical importance, risk factors, and the role of cats as a reservoir for human infections. Here, we collected faeces and questionnaire data from 284 cats from shelters and veterinary clinics in the Copenhagen Metropolitan Region (= study population). Additionally, 33 samples were analysed separately from catteries with gastrointestinal clinical signs (= cases). (Oo-)cysts were quantified by immunofluorescence microscopy. All Giardia (n = 34) and Cryptosporidium (n = 29) positive samples were analysed by sequencing of the 18S rRNA, gdh and hsp70 loci, and co-infections were detected by McMaster/inverted microscopy. In the study population, 7.0% and 6.7% were positive for Giardia and Cryptosporidium respectively; 48.5% and 36.4% of the breeder cats (cases) were infected. Increased odds of diarrhoea were demonstrated in Giardia (p = 0.0008) and Cryptosporidium (p = 0.034) positive cats. For Giardia, the odds were positively correlated with infection intensity. Co-infection with Cryptosporidium (OR 12.79; p < 0.001), parasitic co-infections other than Cryptosporidium (OR 5.22; p = 0.009), no deworming (OR 4.67; p = 0.035), and male sex (OR 3.63; p = 0.025) were risk factors for Giardia. For Cryptosporidium, co-infection with Giardia was the only risk factor (OR 11.93; p < 0.0001). Genotyping revealed G. duodenalis assemblages A and F, and C. felis, all of them previously detected in humans. In conclusion, excretion of Giardia and Cryptosporidium was associated with clinical disease. Although a public health risk is likely, studies including larger sample sizes, more discriminatory markers and samples from other animals and humans are needed to reveal the full zoonotic potential.

Gastrointestinal parasites in shelter cats of central Italy

In Italy, the limited resources and the large number of cats living in feline shelters may facilitate the spread of parasite infections that may affect the health of cats and expose shelter workers and adoptive owners to zoonosis. Prevalence and risk factors of potential zoonotic and host-specific gastrointestinal parasite infections were assessed in cats living in public and private shelters of central Italy. Individual fecal samples were examined macroscopically and then screened microscopically by fresh and Lugol stained fecal smears and by flotation and the Baermann tests. A commercial rapid immune-chromatographic assay was used to detect Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. All animals were clinically examined to evaluate presence of clinical signs compatible to parasitic infections. Data were statistically analysed by multivariate analysis with logistic regression and chi square testing for bivariate analysis. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the shelter cats surveyed was 22% (29/132), with 26/132 (19.7%) of the animals infected with potentially zoonotic organisms. Upon statistical analysis, parasite infections were identified in significantly more cats younger than 18 months of age (p <0.05), and most often associated with the presence of compatible clinical signs (p <0.05). A higher prevalence of protozoan infections (18.1%, 24/132) than of helminth infections (12.9%, 17/132) was observed. Identified parasites were Giardia duodenalis (10.6%, 14/132), Toxocara cati (9%, 12/132), Cystoisospora felis (3%, 4/132), Cystoisospora rivolta (2.3%, 3/132), hookworms (2.3%, 3/132), Cryptosporidium spp. (1.6%, 2/132), Aonchotheca putorii (0.75%, 1/132), Tritrichomonas foetus (0.75%, 1/132) and Strongyloides sp. (0.75%, 1/132). Co-infections were identified in the 7.6% of animals surveyed. Results obtained from this study indicate high gastrointestinal parasite risk to shelter cats and public health in the examined areas and suggest the need for more effective control measures in shelters surveyed.

Toxoplasma gondii and Other Zoonotic Protozoans in Mediterranean Mussel ( Mytilus galloprovincialis) and Blue Mussel ( Mytilus edulis): A Food Safety Concern?

Mediterranean mussels ( Mytilus galloprovincialis) and blue mussels ( Mytilus edulis) are among the most consumed fishery products, but they are frequent vehicles of foodborne infection worldwide. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and seasonality of zoonotic protozoans in mussels farmed or sold at retail outlets in Italy. We collected and tested 1,440 M. galloprovincialis and 180 M. edulis. Pooled samples were molecularly tested for Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Toxoplasma gondii and then sequenced. Sixty-two (45.9%; 95% confidence interval, 37.5 to 54.3%) mussel pools tested positive for one or more of the investigated pathogens. Both Mytilus species and samples from all the investigated areas harbored pathogens. Mussels were statistically more contaminated by Cryptosporidium spp., followed by T. gondii and G. duodenalis assemblage A, and M. galloprovincialis was more contaminated than M. edulis ( P < 0.01). Contamination was more likely in mussels at retail outlets ( P < 0.05) than in those from farms and in mussels collected in spring ( P < 0.01) than in other seasons. This is the first report of T. gondii found in M. galloprovincialis in Italy and in M. edulis in Europe. The detection of zoonotic protozoans in a widely consumed food source indicates the need for a more detailed microbiological risk analysis, especially considering that bivalve mollusks are often consumed raw worldwide.

Giardia duodenalis assemblages in cats from Virginia, USA

Giardia duodenalis is considered a species complex that is divided into 8 genetically distinct but morphologically identical assemblages (A-H). Assemblages C-H are generally host adapted, while A and B infect both people and animals and are considered potentially zoonotic. Furthermore, within assemblage A there are four subtypes (AI, AII, AIII, and AIV) of varying zoonotic potential; human isolates belong to AI and AII, while animal isolates belong to AI, AIII and AIV. Assemblages A, B, C, D, and F have all been reported from cats. The objective of this study was to determine the assemblage(s) of G. duodenalis present in cats from Virginia using multilocus genotyping and to assess if there were any differences among the assemblage(s) found in the populations of cats surveyed (free-roaming, shelter, owned) or their geographic location within Virginia. Samples that were positive for G. duodenalis cysts by microscopy using centrifugal flotation with ZnSO₄ solution and/or direct immunofluorescence assay were genotyped using PCR and sequencing targeting fragments of the SSU rRNA, gdh, bg, and tpi genes. In total, 54 cyst-positive samples were analyzed by PCR and sequencing: 43 produced amplicons, and 37 samples had interpretable sequence data at one or more loci. Assemblage F was detected in 21/37 samples, AI was detected in 12/37 samples, and in 4/37 samples both assemblages F and AI were detected. The potentially zoonotic assemblage AI was detected in cats from two widely separated animal shelters and from one free-roaming cat. These genotyping data demonstrate that potentially zoonotic G. duodenalis assemblages are present in cats in Virginia.

Prevalence and genotypes of Giardia lamblia from stray dogs and cats in Guangdong, China

Giardia lamblia is a worldwide zoonotic intestinal parasite that infects humans and a wide range of mammals including dogs and cats, causing giardiasis with diarrhea. To investigate the infection and distribution of G. lamblia genotypes from stray dogs and cats in Guangdong, China according to different districts, gender and ages, fecal samples were collected and examined by microscopy, and all isolates were genotyped by PCR amplification using beta-giardin (bg) and triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) genes as molecular markers. The results showed that the prevalence of dogs and cats was 10.8% (57/527) and 5.8% (6/104), respectively. Sixty-one samples were detected by microscopy and 63 were amplified and successfully sequenced by the PCR. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, 25 canine isolates (24 assemblages AI and 1 assemblage D) were genotyped by tpi gene and 57 canine isolates (26 assemblages AI, 18 assemblages C and 13 assemblages D) genotyped by bg gene; 6 feline isolates were identified as assemblage AI by tpi gene, and as 3 assemblages AI and 3 assemblages F by bg gene. The dominant genotypes were assemblage AI in younger dogs (assemblage C in adult dogs) and assemblage C in male dogs (assemblage AI in female dogs). Mixed genotype infections were found in different age and gender groups. The results indicated that G. lamblia from stray dogs and cats in Guangdong province had a zoonotic potential with assemblage AI as the prevalent genotype. The different risk factors (age and sex) may have an impact on the infection of different genotypes.

Molecular prevalence of Cryptosporidium species among household cats and pet shop kittens in Japan

Objectives

To address the lack of up-to-date published data, the present study evaluates the PCR-based prevalence of Cryptosporidium species infection and molecular characteristics of isolates among household cats and pet shop kittens in Japan.

Methods

A total of 357 and 329 fresh faecal samples were collected from household cats and pet shop kittens, respectively, with or without clinical signs of infection. A nested PCR assay targeting the 18S rRNA gene was employed for the detection of Cryptosporidium species. After specific DNA fragments (approximately 826 base pairs) were confirmed, the amplicons were sequenced to determine species.

Results

Seven (2.0%) household cats and one (0.3%) pet shop kitten tested positive for the presence of Cryptosporidium species. In household cats, there was a significant difference in prevalence between cats aged <1 year (4.6%) and those aged ⩾1 year (0.4%). No significantly different prevalence was observed with regard to faecal condition in either household cats or pet shop kittens. A total of eight Cryptosporidium species isolates, seven from household cats and one from a pet shop kitten, were identified as Cryptosporidium felis.

Conclusions and relevance

The present study demonstrates the risk of zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium species from household cats and pet shop kittens to humans is low in Japan.

Detection and multilocus genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in dogs in Sichuan province, China

Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. intestinalis) is a flagellated protozoan that parasitizes the small intestine and is a common causal agent of zoonotic infections in humans and animals. To assess the genetic diversity and zoonotic transmission potential of G. duodenalis in stray dogs, 159 fecal specimens were collected from dogs in Chengdu, Yaan, and Leshan in Sichuan province, China. Of the 159 fecal samples from stray dogs, 18 (11.3%) were G. duodenalis-positive based on nested PCR amplification of the beta giardin (bg) gene, and the occurrence varied from 1.8% to 35% in different cities. Dog-specific assemblages C (n = 9) and D (n = 9) were identified. The glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes of all bg-positive isolates were characterized. A total of 16 and 8 isolates were positive for the gdh and tpi genes, respectively. Two novel sequences of the bg locus were detected among genetic assemblage D isolates, and one novel gdh sequence and four novel tpi sequences were identified among genetic assemblage C isolates. Mixed infections of assemblages C and D were also detected. Assemblages A and B, which have high zoonotic potential, were not detected. Our results show that G. duodenalis is prevalent and a cause of diarrhea in dogs in Sichuan province, China.

Something old, something new: Update of the 2009 and 2013 ABCD guidelines on prevention and management of feline infectious diseases

OVERVIEW

The ABCD has published 34 guidelines in two Special Issues of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS): the first in July 2009 (Volume 11, Issue 7, pages 527-620) and the second in July 2013 (Volume 15, Issue 7, pages 528-652). The present article contains updates and new information on 18 of these (17 disease guidelines and one special article 'Prevention of infectious diseases in cat shelters'). For detailed information, readers are referred to the guidelines published in the above-mentioned JFMS Special Issues.

The role of wild canids and felids in spreading parasites to dogs and cats in Europe. Part I: Protozoa and tick-borne agents

Over the last few decades, the world has witnessed radical changes in climate, landscape, and ecosystems. These events, together with other factors such as increasing illegal wildlife trade and changing human behaviour towards wildlife, are resulting into thinning boundaries between wild canids and felids and their domestic counterparts. As a consequence, the epidemiology of diseases caused by a number of infectious agents is undergoing profound readjustements, as pathogens adapt to new hosts and environments. Therefore, there is a risk for diseases of wildlife to spread to domestic carnivores and vice versa, and for zoonotic agents to emerge or re-emerge in human populations. Hence, the identification of the hazards arising from the co-habitation of these species is critical in order to plan and develop adequate control strategies against these pathogens. In the first of this two-part article, we review the role that wild canids and felids may play in the transmission of protozoa and arthropod-borne agents to dogs and cats in Europe, and provide an account of how current and future progress in our understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of parasites, as well as of host-parasite interactions, can assist efforts aimed at controlling parasite transmission.

A retrospective molecular study of select intestinal protozoa in healthy pet cats from Italy

The feline gut can harbour a number of protozoan parasites. Recent genetic studies have highlighted new epidemiological findings about species of Cryptosporidium, assemblages of Giardia duodenalis and Toxoplasma gondii. Furthermore, epidemiological studies suggest the occurrence of Tritrichomonas foetus in cats is on the increase worldwide. The prevalence of selected intestinal protozoa was determined by PCR using DNA previously extracted from the faeces of 146 privately owned healthy cats from Italy. Molecular genotyping on T gondii, G duodenalis and Cryptosporidium DNA was achieved. PCR assays were positive in 32 (22.9%) samples. Three animals (2.0%) were positive for T foetus and Cryptosporidium DNA, 15 specimens (10.3%) were positive for T gondii and 11 (7.5%) for G duodenalis. Co-infections were never observed. Results of the typing analysis allowed the identification of Cryptosporidium felis in all cases. The specimens positive for T gondii hinted at clonal genotype I (n = 7), genotype II (n = 1) and genotype III (n = 7). The G duodenalis isolates were referable to assemblages F (n = 9) and C (n = 2). In conclusion, the results obtained in this study add to the literature regarding the epidemiology of these parasites by confirming their presence in the faeces of healthy pet cats.

The prevalence of Giardia infection in dogs and cats, a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence studies from stool samples

Giardia has a wide range of host species and is a common cause of diarrhoeal disease in humans and animals. Companion animals are able to transmit a range of zoonotic diseases to their owners including giardiasis, but the size of this risk is not well known. The aim of this study was to analyse giardiasis prevalence rates in dogs and cats worldwide using a systematic search approach. Meta-analysis enabled to describe associations between Giardia prevalence and various confounding factors. Pooled prevalence rates were 15.2% (95% CI 13.8-16.7%) for dogs and 12% (95% CI 9.2-15.3%) for cats. However, there was very high heterogeneity between studies. Meta-regression showed that the diagnostic method used had a major impact on reported prevalence with studies using ELISA, IFA and PCR reporting prevalence rates between 2.6 and 3.7 times greater than studies using microscopy. Conditional negative binomial regression found that symptomatic animals had higher prevalence rates ratios (PRR) than asymptomatic animals 1.61 (95% CI 1.33-1.94) in dogs and 1.94 (95% CI 1.47-2.56) in cats. Giardia was much more prevalent in young animals. For cats >6 months, PRR=0.47 (0.42-0.53) and in dogs of the same age group PRR=0.36 (0.32-0.41). Additionally, dogs kept as pets were less likely to be positive (PRR=0.56 (0.41-0.77)) but any difference in cats was not significant. Faecal excretion of Giardia is common in dogs and slightly less so in cats. However, the exact rates depend on the diagnostic method used, the age and origin of the animal. What risk such endemic colonisation poses to human health is still unclear as it will depend not only on prevalence rates but also on what assemblages are excreted and how people interact with their pets.

Genetic diversity of Giardia duodenalis: multilocus genotyping reveals zoonotic potential between clinical and environmental sources in a metropolitan region of Brazil

BACKGROUND

Giardia duodenalis is a flagellate protozoan that parasitizes humans and several other mammals. Protozoan contamination has been regularly documented at important environmental sites, although most of these studies were performed at the species level. There is a lack of studies that correlate environmental contamination and clinical infections in the same region. The aim of this study is to evaluate the genetic diversity of a set of clinical and environmental samples and to use the obtained data to characterize the genetic profile of the distribution of G. duodenalis and the potential for zoonotic transmission in a metropolitan region of Brazil.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

The genetic assemblages and subtypes of G. duodenalis isolates obtained from hospitals, a veterinary clinic, a day-care center and important environmental sites were determined via multilocus sequence-based genotyping using three unlinked gene loci. Cysts of Giardia were detected at all of the environmental sites. Mixed assemblages were detected in 25% of the total samples, and an elevated number of haplotypes was identified. The main haplotypes were shared among the groups, and new subtypes were identified at all loci. Ten multilocus genotypes were identified: 7 for assemblage A and 3 for assemblage B.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

There is persistent G. duodenalis contamination at important environmental sites in the city. The identified mixed assemblages likely represent mixed infections, suggesting high endemicity of Giardia in these hosts. Most Giardia isolates obtained in this study displayed zoonotic potential. The high degree of genetic diversity in the isolates obtained from both clinical and environmental samples suggests that multiple sources of infection are likely responsible for the detected contamination events. The finding that many multilocus genotypes (MLGs) and haplotypes are shared by different groups suggests that these sources of infection may be related and indicates that there is a notable risk of human infection caused by Giardia in this region.

Stray cats gastrointestinal parasites and its association with public health in ahvaz city, South Western of iran

Background:

Cats are the hosts for some zoonotic parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. which are important in medicine and veterinary. Studies on the prevalence of intestinal parasites of cats have received little attention in south west of Iran.

Objectives:

The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of parasites in stray cats in Ahvaz.

Materials and Methods:

Random sampling was carried out from January to May 2012. One hundred and forty fecal samples from stray cats were examined using sucrose flotation method.

Results:

Gastrointestinal parasites were found in 121 of the 140 (86.4%) examined samples. The parasites detected in stray cats were Toxocara spp. (45%, 63/140), Isospora spp. (21.4%, 30/140), nematode larvae (21.4%, 30/140), Taenia spp. (18.6%, 26/140), Sarcocystis spp. (17.1%, 24/140), Eimeria spp. (15%, 21/140), Blastocystis spp. (14.3%, 20/140), Giardia spp, (10.7%, 15/140), Physaloptera spp. (7.1%, 10/140), and amoeba cyst (5.7%, 8/140) respectively. The prevalence of infection by Joyexiella spp. and hook worms (4.3%, 6/140), for example, Dipylidium caninum (2.9%, 4/140) was similar; and the prevalence of infection by T. gondii and Dicrocoelium dendriticum was similar (1.4%, 2/140).

Conclusions:

Since the prevalence of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites such as Toxocara spp. in stray cats is high, there is a need to plan adequate programs to control these zoonotic parasites.

Molecular identification of Giardia and Cryptosporidium from dogs and cats

The aim of the present study was to diagnose the presence of Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts in household animals using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis. One hundred faecal samples obtained from 81 dogs and 19 cats were investigated. The Cryptosporidium genotypes were determined by sequencing a fragment of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, while the Giardia Assemblages were determined through analysis of the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) locus. Isolates from five dogs and two cats were positive by PCR for the presence of Giardia, and their sequences matched the zoonotic Assemblage A of Giardia. Cryptosporidium spp. isolated from one dog and one cat were both found to be C. parvum. One dog isolate harboured a mixed infection of C. parvum and Giardia Assemblage A. These findings support the growing evidence that household animals are potential reservoirs of the zoonotic pathogens Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. for infections in humans.

Intestinal and lung parasites in owned dogs and cats from central Italy

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal and lung parasites were investigated in 239 owned dogs and 81 owned cats from central Italy. In 36 dogs and 20 cats found infected by nematodes, pre and post-treatment faecal egg count (FEC) was also evaluated. About 31% of dogs and about 35% of cats resulted positive for at least one intestinal or lung parasitic species. Helminthic, intestinal and zoonotic infections resulted prevalent in examined animals. Examined dogs resulted infected by Toxocara canis (13.0%), Toxascaris leonina (1.7%), Trichuris vulpis (3.3%), Ancylostoma caninum (2.0%), Uncinaria stenocephala (1.25%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.8%), Angiostrongylus vasorum (0.4%), Dipylidium caninum (1.25%), Taeniidae eggs (0.4%), Giardia duodenalis (3.8%), and Cystoisospora (Isospora) spp. (7.5%). Examined cats were infected by Toxocara cati (22.2%), Capillaria aerophila (1.2%), Ancylostoma tubaeformae (1.2%), U. stenocephala (3.7%), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (1.2%), Mesocestoides sp. (1.2%), D. caninum (1.2%), G. duodenalis (1.2%) and Cystoisospora spp. (4.5%). The presence of clinical signs and the young age (less than 6 months) were identified as risk factors by univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. In 63.9% treated dogs and in 80.0% treated cats, percentages of post-treatment FEC reduction higher than 90% were found. Results obtained in this study are discussed.

Giardia duodenalis sub-Assemblage of animal and human origin in horses

In order to evaluate infection occurrence and the potential zoonotic role of horse isolates of Giardia duodenalis, 431 individual fecal samples were genetically characterized by PCR tests -coupled sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Thirty-seven (8.6%) animals resulted infected by different Assemblage. The presence of sub-Assemblage was assessed by characterizing the β-giardin gene for 16 of the 37 positive horses. Ten isolates showed 99.6% to 100% homology with the sub-Assemblage described as B1-2 and B1-6, three Assemblage A showed 99.8% homology with sub-Assemblage A1, while one Assemblage E displayed 98.8% homology with sub-Assemblage E3. Furthermore, one isolate characterized as Assemblage A showed 99.6% homology with the sub-Assemblage B1-2 and one characterized as E was 100% identical with sub-Assemblage B1-6. These results demonstrate the presence of both animal and human sub-Assemblage of G. duodenalis in horses from Italy. Epidemiological and sanitary implications are discussed.

Zoonotic potential and molecular epidemiology of Giardia species and giardiasis

Molecular diagnostic tools have been used recently in assessing the taxonomy, zoonotic potential, and transmission of Giardia species and giardiasis in humans and animals. The results of these studies have firmly established giardiasis as a zoonotic disease, although host adaptation at the genotype and subtype levels has reduced the likelihood of zoonotic transmission. These studies have also identified variations in the distribution of Giardia duodenalis genotypes among geographic areas and between domestic and wild ruminants and differences in clinical manifestations and outbreak potentials of assemblages A and B. Nevertheless, our efforts in characterizing the molecular epidemiology of giardiasis and the roles of various animals in the transmission of human giardiasis are compromised by the lack of case-control and longitudinal cohort studies and the sampling and testing of humans and animals living in the same community, the frequent occurrence of infections with mixed genotypes and subtypes, and the apparent heterozygosity at some genetic loci for some G. duodenalis genotypes. With the increased usage of multilocus genotyping tools, the development of next-generation subtyping tools, the integration of molecular analysis in epidemiological studies, and an improved understanding of the population genetics of G. duodenalis in humans and animals, we should soon have a better appreciation of the molecular epidemiology of giardiasis, the disease burden of zoonotic transmission, the taxonomy status and virulences of various G. duodenalis genotypes, and the ecology of environmental contamination.