Zoonotic parasites in cats: regional prevalence and antiparasitic treatment outcomes

Abstract: Pet animals play a crucial role in the socio-economic aspect of society. With the increasing pet population, primarily cats and dogs, the risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases is on the rise. About 40 cats from the districts of Gazipur and Tangail were chosen for investigation of the prevalence of various ectoparasitic and endoparasitic zoonotic diseases in cats as well as the effectiveness of various antiparasitic medications against them. Results showed that Gazipur had a prevalence rate of 60% for both ecto- and endoparasites. On the other hand, Tangail had a prevalence of 100% and 80% for ecto- and endoparasites, respectively. Three types of zoonotic ectoparasites were identified: Ctenocephalides felis (flea), Ixodes ricinus (tick), and Sarcoptes scabiei (mite), which exhibited prevalences of 75%, 18.75%, and 6.25%, respectively. Two types of zoonotic endoparasite eggs (nematodes) were identified, with Toxocara cati, Ancylostoma spp., and the mixed infection of these two exhibiting prevalences of 78.57%, 14.29%, and 7.14%, respectively, in fecal sample tests. Eprinomectin, Fipronil spray, and Ivermectin injection were used to treat the ectoparasites that resulted in 93.1%, 100%, 88% efficacy against ectoparasites, respectively. Pyrantel pamoate, a combination of Praziquantel, Pyrantel pamoate, and Febentel, and Ivermectin were used to treat endoparasites in three groups which showed the efficacy to be 80%, 100%, and 70%, respectively. To summarize, the most common area for both ecto- and endoparasites was the Tangail district. Ctenocephalides felis (75%) and Toxocara cati (78.57%) were the most prevalent ectoparasite and endoparasite, respectively. Fipronil spray emerged as the most effective treatment for ectoparasites, while the combination of Praziquantel, Pyrantel pamoate, and Febentel demonstrated the highest efficacy in controlling endoparasites. The prevalence of ectoparasite and endoparasite infestations found among cats in this study highlights a troubling potential for the transmission of zoonotic parasitic infections. Additionally, this study evaluated the relative effectiveness of various drugs in controlling these parasites. 

Keywords: Zoonoses, ectoparasites, endoparasites, prevalence, treatment efficacy, cat