Prevalence ofToxoplasma gondiiand Other Gastrointestinal Parasites in Domestic Cats from Households in Thika Region, Kenya

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites of domestic cats (Felis catus) not only cause morbidity but are also potential zoonotic agents. The current study aimed at establishing the prevalence of GIT parasites in cats kept by households in Thika region, Kenya. Fecal samples were collected randomly from 103 cats and analyzed for presence of parasites using standard parasitological methods. In descending order, the prevalence of the detected protozoa parasites wasIsosporaspp. 43.7% (95% CI: 40.4–47%),Cryptosporidiumspp. 40.8% (95% CI: 37.5–44.1%),Toxoplasma gondii7.8% (95% CI: 4.5–11.1%), andEntamoebaspp. 2.9% (95% CI: 1.6–6.2%). The prevalence of the observed helminths wasStrongyloides stercoralis43.7% (95% CI: 40.4–47%),Toxocara cati23.3% (95% CI: 20–26.6%),Ancylostomaspp. 9.7% (95% CI: 6.4–13%),Dipylidium caninum8.7% (95% CI: 5.4–12.0%), andAcanthocephalaspp. 1.9% (95% CI: 1–4.2%). The percentage of cats excreting at least one species of parasite was 73.2% (95% CI = 69.9–76.5%). The study shows that the cats have high spectrum (9) of parasites which are known to affect the cat’s health and some are of zoonotic significance.