Characterisation of ecto- and endoparasites in domestic cats from Tirana, Albania

Abstract

During 2008 to 2011, faecal samples, ear swabs, and ectoparasites obtained by full body search and total body comb were collected from 252 cats originating from the greater Tirana area. Faecal samples were examined using the McMaster and Baermann techniques, and a subset of 58 samples was tested for Giardia-specific antigen using a coproantigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ear swabs were examined for the presence of parasitic mites. Overall, almost 93% of the cats were identified harbouring one or more parasites: 59.1% (95% confidence interval (CI), 53.0-65.0) and 86.9% (95% CI, 82.7-91.1) of the cats tested positive for ecto- or endoparasites, respectively; 53.2% of the cats had evidence for concomitant ectoparasite infestation and endoparasite infection. For ectoparasite infestation, prevalence was 52.0% for total fleas (Ctenocephalides felis, 51.2%; Ctenocephalides canis, 2.0%; and Leptopsylla segnis, 0.4%), 8.3% each for Felicola subrostratus and Otodectes cynotis and 4.0 % for Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. The most prevalent endoparasites were Toxocara ascarids (48.0%), followed by Aelurostrongylus lungworms (39.7%), Capillaria spp. (31.7%), hookworms (32.9%), dipylidiid cestodes (27.8 %), Cystoisospora spp. (23.4%) and taeniid cestodes (2.0%). One animal was found shedding Pseudamphistomum truncatum eggs. Giardia-specific antigen was detected in 29.3% of the 58 cats tested. Mixed infections with up to six endoparasites concurrently (excluding Giardia) and mixed infestations with two or three species of ectoparasites were recorded in 73.1 and 22.8% of the parasite-positive cats, respectively. Cats ≤9 months of age were more frequently tested (p < 0.05) positive for Toxocara and Cystoisospora infections than cats >9 months while these cats tested more often (p < 0.05) Aelurostrongylus-positive compared with the younger cats. The prevalence of infestation with ectoparasites did not differ between the cats of these two age groups. Given the impact that some of the parasites may have upon animal health as well as the zoonotic potential of some of them, measures should be taken to minimise the transmission of these parasites.

Efficacy of Broadline® spot-on against Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior lungworms in naturally infected cats from Italy

“…Indeed, kittens tend to be more often infected by protozoans (e.g., C. felis and G. lamblia) and ascarids (i.e., T. cati), than adult cats. This trend has been confirmed in studies on T. cati and C. felis, in which it has been shown that infected cats ≤9 months of age are at higher risk for those pathogens (Beugnet et al, 2014;Knaus et al, 2014b). Conversely, in the present study the age of animals was not a risk factor for lungworm infection, since either young or adult animals were infected by A. abstrusus or T. brevior.…”

Efficacy of Broadline® against Capillaria aerophila lungworm infection in cats

“…The results of this controlled study demonstrated that a single topical treatment with Broadline®, at the recommended dose, provided a high level of efficacy against feline Broadline® was shown to be effective against the two major nematodes parasitizing the respiratory system of domestic cats, A. abstrusus and C. aerophila, which are frequently associated as they may share similar paratenic hosts as suggested through co-occurrence in cats (Ng and Kelly 1975;Capári et al 2013;Knaus et al 2014b). A single treatment with Broadline® can reduce burdens of C. aerophila lungworms and markedly reduce or eliminate shedding of eggs.…”

Efficacy against nematode and cestode infections and safety of a novel topical fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel combination product in domestic cats under field conditions in Europe

“…However, factors like category of cats (e.g., stray, feral, shelter, cattery, well-cared-for pet), habitat (urban or rural), or general access to the outdoors, result in considerable variability in the prevalence of endoparasites (e.g., Borkovcová, 2003;Coati et al, 2003;Omeragić, 2003;Miró et al, 2004;Robben et al, 2004;Romaniuk et al, 2004;Ingstrup, 2008;Gracenea et al, 2009;Keidāns et al, 2009;Overgaauw et al, 2009;Duarte et al, 2010;Ładczuk and Balicka-Ramisz, 2010;Mircean et al, 2010;Traversa et al, 2010;Barutzki and Schaper, 2011;Claerebout et al, 2011;Knaus et al, 2011b;Becker et al, 2012;Mugnaini et al, 2012;Näreaho et al, 2012;Zanzani et al, 2012;Capári et al, 2013;Riggio et al, 2013).…”