Endoparasites in domestic cats (Felis catus) in the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of endoparasites in domestic cats (Felis catus) in the city of Sousa, state of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. A total of 207 samples of fresh feces were randomly collected from domestic and semi-domiciled cats. The samples were analyzed by simple centrifugation and centrifuge-flotation in sucrose solution for the diagnosis of helminth eggs and enteric protozoan oocysts and cysts. Epidemiological information was obtained to determine risk factors related to infections. Among the samples collected, 81.6% (169/207; 95% CI: 77.4-83.8) were positive for at least one parasite genus. Ancylostoma spp. was the most prevalent, at 67.1% (139/207), followed by Taenia spp. at 28.5% (59/207), and Spirometra spp. and Platynosomum sp., both at 17.3% (36/207). The variables associated with helminth infection were a historic lack of deworming (Odds ratio = 12.25) and the presence of dry fur (Odds ratio = 2.15). No risk factors were observed for enteric protozoa infection. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of endoparasites in domestic cats in the city of Sousa, state of Paraíba, and associated risk factors, thus establishing an overview of the main helminths and protozoa that affect cats in this region.