Prevalence and risk factors associated with cat parasites in Italy: a multicenter study

Abstract

Background Parasites that infect cats include protozoa, helminths and arthropods, many of which are transmissible to humans. Effective control relies on a good knowledge of parasite distribution and the risk factors for infection. The present study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence of major feline parasites in Italy and the risk factors associated with their occurrence. Methods Over a 12-month study period, feces, hair and ectoparasites from naturally infected cats from feral colonies, shelters and private households were analyzed at 13 study centers across Italy. Samples from these cats (n = 987) were analyzed at all centers using the same diagnostic methods. Prevalence values and risk factors were evaluated statistically for the identification of predictors of risk. Results The overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal and broncho-pulmonary (BP) nematodes was 35.9% (354/987). Toxocara cati was the most prevalent species (253/987; 25.6%), followed by Ancylostomatidae (98/987; 9.9%). Among BP nematodes, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was the most common (76/987; 7.7%). Approximately 35.7% (352/987) of the study population was infested by ectoparasites, of which the most common were fleas (29.4%, 290/987), followed by ear mites Otodectes cynotis (9.8%, 97/987). Predictors of risk for parasite infection included age, a predominantly or exclusively outdoor lifestyle, geographic area and lack of antiparasitic treatment. Conclusions Both ecto- and endoparasites are still common in cats throughout Italy, many of them being of zoonotic concern and vectors of pathogens to humans. Given the presence of parasites throughout the entire study period, year-round treatment should be considered. Furthermore, data confirm the need to protect the human–animal bond using proper endo- and ectoparasiticides to reduce the risk of human infection, in application of the One-Health concept. Graphical abstract

Cardiorespiratory nematodes and co‐infections with gastrointestinal parasites in new arrivals at dog and cat shelters in north‐western Spain

“…A. abstrusus infection has been reported in domestic cats throughout Europe; noticeable differences on the prevalence rates can be observed depending on the region (1.7-30.2%), being our results similar to those found in southern countries, where the percentages of infection are generally higher (Barutzki & Schaper, 2009;Diakou et al, 2015;Elsheikha et al, 2019;Genchi et al, 2021;Giannelli et al, 2017;Grandi et al, 2017;Gueldner et al, 2019;Gyö rke et al, 2020;Hansen et al, 2017;Kiszely et al, 2019;Knaus et al, 2014;Mircean, Titilincu & Vasile, 2010;Payo-Puente et al, 2008;Tonev et al, 2021). It is also worth noting that no positive cats to T. brevior were detected in this work although this nematode was previously found in a low number of cats from Spain, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Poland and Romania, reaching maximum values close to 15% in some regions (Brianti et al, 2021;Diakou et al, 2015;Genchi et al, 2021;Giannelli et al, 2017). Finally, epidemiological studies reporting the prevalence of respiratory trichuroid nematodes in cats have been performed in Albania, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain; our results for E. aerophilus (6.2%) are similar to the highest prevalences reported (8.2%) in Europe (Capári et al, 2013;Genchi et al, 2021;Hansen et al, 2017;Krone et al, 2008;Knaus et al, 2014;Mircean et al, 2010;Miró et al, 2004;Tamponi et al, 2017;Traversa et al, 2009;Waap et al, 2014;Wierzbowska et al, 2020).…”

Multicenter randomized, and blinded European field study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Felpreva®, a novel spot-on formulation containing tigolaner, emodepside and praziquantel, in treating cats with mixed infection with intestinal nematodes, cestodes and/or lungworms

“…The results of the present multicentric studies confirm that client-owned feline populations of Europe are often at risk of infection by intestinal and/or respiratory helminths and, in many cases, of ectoparasites. Data recently originated from other surveys ( Giannelli et al., 2017 ; Genchi et al., 2021 ) further corroborate this scenario, and ultimately highlight that broad spectrum parasiticides are crucial to control endo- and ectoparasites under certain epidemiological scenarios where cats are at risk of mixed infections/infestations. Accordingly, emodepside and praziquantel contained in the here evaluated Felpreva® are efficacious for the treatment of most common feline intestinal and respiratory nematodes, and intestinal tapeworms, respectively.…”

“…Domestic cats may be infected with several endoparasites, intestinal nematodes and cestodes (tapeworms) and respiratory nematodes being the most important and distributed across Europe ( Giannelli et al., 2017 ; Genchi et al., 2021 ).…”

Multicenter randomized, and blinded European field study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Felpreva®, a novel spot-on formulation containing emodepside, praziquantel and tigolaner, in treating cats naturally infested with fleas and/or ticks

“…The use of broad-spectrum formulations containing an endo- and an ecto-parasiticide is particularly useful in cats living outdoors or allowed to free-roam, as they are at risk to acquire various internal and external parasites at the same time. In fact, large-scale studies have proven that cats of Europe are often simultaneously infected by internal cestodes and/or nematodes and/or external parasites ( Beugnet et al., 2014 ; Giannelli et al., 2017 ; Genchi et al., 2021 ). Nonetheless, cats living indoors are also at risk of becoming infected by internal helminths via different routes ( Morelli, 2021 ) and to be parasitized by arthropods.…”