Genotypes of Giardia duodenalis in Household Dogs and Cats from Poland

Abstract

Background Giardia duodenalis is a widespread protozoan parasite affecting humans and many species of animals, including dogs and cats. Due to its zoonotic potential, it is important to know the frequency of this parasite in companion animals. The aim of this study was to determine current epidemiological status of G. duodenalis in household dogs and cats. Methods In this study, 293 fecal samples from pet dogs and cats were collected from January 2017 to July 2019 and tested for G. duodenalis by PCR (using β-giardin gene). The animals were divided into groups depending on their age, breed and fecal consistency. Results The examination allowed for detection of G. duodenalis in 6.0% of canine and 3.9% of feline fecal samples. The highest frequency was revealed in young (under one-year old) dogs. Sequencing confirmed the presence of assemblages C and D in dogs and A and F in cats. Conclusion The study showed current frequency of G. duodenalis in dogs and cats and also revealed the occurrence of host-specific assemblages as well as zoonotic assemblage A.

Giardia duodenalis in colony stray cats from Italy

“…Age and gender were not statistically associated with G. duodenalis infection, comparably with previous data (Epe et al., 2010 ; Montoya et al., 2018 ; Piekara‐Stępińska et al., 2020 ; Tamponi et al., 2017 ); however, they are still present in different studies where younger cats (<6 months or <12 months of age) are considered at higher risk of positivity (Bouzid et al., 2015 ; Epe et al., 2010 ; Nagamori et al., 2020 ; Pallant et al., 2015 ; Sauda et al., 2019 ; Symeonidou et al., 2018 ; Tamponi et al., 2017 ; Zanzani et al., 2014 ). Regarding age, our findings could be affected by a bias due to the difficulty in recording accurate dates of birth in stray cats.…”

Prevalence and genetic diversity of Giardia duodenalis in pet dogs from Zhengzhou, central China and the association between gut microbiota and fecal characteristics during infection

“…In our study, the detection rate of G. duodenalis in pet dogs mainly living indoors from Zhengzhou, central China, was similar to that reported in Brazil (6.9%)[ 28 ], and Poland (6.0%)[ 29 ]. However, it is lower than the prevalence of rural dogs in Argentina (44.4%)[ 30 ], and Italy (15%)[ 31 ].…”

Retrospective Survey of Dog and Cat Endoparasites in Ireland: Antigen Detection

“…Fewer studies have been done in cats, a recent meta-analysis found that 2.3% of cats tested positive for G. duodenalis, globally. European studies have found prevalence rates ranging from 5.9% to 20.5% in cats [19,20].…”