Molecular Detection and Prevalence of the Toxocara Cati Parasite in Household Cats Breeds in the Al-Anbar Province-Iraq

Alshawi, Akil Farouq; Alhayani, Omar Jassim

doi:10.21608/ejvs.2024.263951.1791

Molecular Detection and Prevalence of the Toxocara Cati Parasite in Household Cats Breeds in the Al-Anbar Province-Iraq

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Internal and preventive veterinary medicine, College of veterinary medicine, university of Baghdad,

10.21608/ejvs.2024.263951.1791

Abstract

Toxocara cati is a globally prevalent parasitic roundworm that affects cats. It is a member of the Ascarididae family, which includes one of the most common intestinal parasites. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Toxocara cati in a total of 100 individuals from two major breeds from Al-Anbar (50 Shirazi and 50 Himalayan breeds). Therefore, this is the first parasite investigation as well as molecular characteristic analysis to be conducted in Iraq on household cats. After conducting a comprehensive examination, the clinical indicators exhibited by these animals were reported. In order to examine parasite eggs under a microscope, we collected faeces from each animal. A small sample of faeces was also subjected to molecular analysis. Blood samples were also used to study the effects of this parasite on eosinophils. PCR-based approaches that employ genetic markers from the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes have emerged as viable substitutes due to their sensitivity, specificity, speed, and effectiveness. Our investigation found that infestation rates, according to the molecular method, were 31% (15 in Shirazi and 16 in Himalayan), which was similar to microscopy results. Subsequently, domestic cats residing in urban Al-Anbar exhibit an elevated prevalence of T. cati. Therefore, it is crucial to develop effective methods for identifying and eliminating T. cati parasites in domestic cats, while simultaneously prioritising public education on animal and human health.

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